Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency have learned their opponents for United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) Finals Week taking place July 14 to 20 in Houston, Texas.
Whitecaps FC have been placed into a group with two fellow Major League Soccer (MLS) academies. The ‘Caps will be in Group 1 alongside fellow Northwest Division rivals Seattle Sounders FC, as well as MLS academy New York Red Bulls and Albertson SC of Long Island, New York.
This is the second consecutive season that Whitecaps FC U-18 have qualified for Finals Week. Last year they made it all the way to the championship final before falling 3-2 to FC Dallas.
Group 2 features MLS academy New England Revolution, as well as Northwest Division club De Anza Force, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri, and Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Soccer Academy.
The ‘Caps will open the tournament on Sunday, July 14, against Seattle Sounders FC at 6 p.m. PT. Then on Tuesday, July 16, they’ll face New York Red Bulls at 3:30 p.m. PT. Finally, on Thursday, July 18, they’ll wrap-up the group stage against Albertson SC at 6 p.m. PT.
In order to advance to the USSDA Championship final, Whitecaps FC will need to finish first in Group 1. The winner of Group 1 will then play the winner of Group 2 for the title at BBVA Compass Stadium – home of MLS club Houston Dynamo. The USSDA Championship final will take place on Saturday, July 20 and will be streamed live on ussoccer.com.
Fans can follow ‘Caps Academy Finals matches live via twitter @WhitecapsMatch. You can also get into the conversation by using the hashtag #BackForMore.
