VANCOUVER, BC - After a three week break in their United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) schedule, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency are back in action this weekend. The ‘Caps will travel down to California to take on a pair of challengers from the Southwest Division, Real So Cal and Arsenal FC.
The Blue and White will take on Real So Cal on Saturday, October 18 (the U-18s are set to kick off at 11:00 a.m. PT, while the U-16s will start at 1:30 p.m. PT) before turning their focus to Arsenal FC on Sunday, October 19 (U-18s will kick off at 11:00 a.m. PT, followed by the U-16s at 1:30 p.m. PT).
U-18
Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency (5W-0L-0D) have gotten off to a blazing start to their season, racking up five straight wins right out of the gate. The fast start not only has the U-18 ‘Caps first in the Northwest Division, it also has them atop the overall USSDA standings for their age group.
Before their break, the ‘Caps earned their fifth win of the season with a 3-0 decision over fellow MLS academy and Cascadia side Portland Timbers U-18. Skipper Marco Bustos had two goals on the day, while Victoria-born striker Dario Zanatta added one of his own in the win. Goalkeeper Marco Carducci was perfect in the win, posting his third clean sheet of the young season.
In Real So Cal U-18 (5W-1L-1D), the ‘Caps will face the Southwest Division leaders. So Cal, who are ranked 11th overall in the USSDA standings, have scored 19 goals on the season, while conceding only four. So Cal hasn’t allowed more than two goals in a single match this season, while racking up four clean sheets. They’ve also shown the ability to explode offensively, as they routed Strikers FC U-18 8-1 in their last match.
Arsenal FC U-18 (1W-4L-2D) hasn’t been as impressive in the early going, and the club’s poor start to the season has them sitting in last place in the Southwest Division. Arsenal has had trouble scoring so far this season, getting shut out four times in just seven games and only notching more than two goals in one match.
Even with two opponents on the opposite end of the table, head coach Niall Thompson is looking forward to measuring the calibre of his club against quality competition.
“Real So Cal is going to be a real good test for us – they’re at the top of their division for a reason,” said Thompson. “Watching tape of them, we know that they play a possession-based brand of football, and it’s going to be a challenge on Saturday. As for Arsenal, they’re a very competitive side, and with two games on back-to-back days, we’re going to have to be sharp to come out with a result.”
U-16
Not to be left behind by their U-18 counterparts, Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency (4W-0L-1D) have also gotten off to an unbeaten start this season. Earning 13 of a possible 15 points has the ‘Caps sitting atop the Northwest Division and seventh overall in the USSDA standings.
The Blue and White have shown the ability to win in several different ways early in the season. In their most recent contest, the ‘Caps overcame a two-goal deficit in the second half to beat Portland Timbers U-16 3-2. Winger Terran Campbell notched a brace, while captain David Norman potted the other goal in the win.
Real So Cal U-16 are almost a mirror image of the club’s U-18 side, as they have put up an identical record of 5W-1L-1D in the early part of the season. Also like the U-18 side, So Cal U-16 sit first in the Southwest Division. With 14 goals on the season, while allowing just six against, Real So Cal also sit tenth overall in the USSDA standings.
Arsenal FC U-16 (4W-2L-1D) aren’t far behind So Cal, as their early season success has them third in the Southwest Division, and in the fourth wildcard spot for USSDA overall. Arsenal’s defense has been hit-or-miss in the early going, as while they have shut out four of seven opponents so far, they have allowed three goals in two of the other contests.
Head coach Rich Fagan told that his squad will have to be on top of their game against two very talented opponents.
“Real So Cal and Arsenal both have quality throughout their lineups and are tough opponents,” said Fagan. “Both squads will want to keep possession and they will want to counter attack quickly. We will have to be at our best for both games.”
Residency on the Rise
Kianz Froese (pictured), one of the leading scorers on the U-18 ‘Caps and a recent first-team signee, made his MLS debut this past weekend. The 18-year-old came on as a halftime substitute against Seattle Sounders FC and acquitted himself well as Whitecaps FC took home the Cascadia Cup with a 1-0 win.
