VANCOUVER, BC – With a difficult 2-0 loss to Washington Crossfire behind them, Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 (4W-4L-1D) are set to host arch-rivals Seattle Sounders FC U-23 (4W-3L-1D) this Friday, June 21 at UBC Thunderbird Stadium.
Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and admission is free to the public. For those who cannot make the match, updates will be provided on Twitter via @WhitecapsMatch.
WHITECAPS FC U-23
In their most recent outing, the ‘Caps suffered a difficult 2-0 defeat to Washington Crossfire last Wednesday, June 12 at Redmond High School in Redmond, Washington. Despite an effort to claw their way back into the match, the Crossfire held the momentum gained after an early goal on 22 minutes and held off the Blue and White for the remainder of the match.
Head of high performance Stuart Neely’s side are currently sitting tied with Sounders FC for third place in the Northwest Division. With both teams on 13 points, this Friday’s tilt is especially important.
“We played Seattle earlier and lost 2-0 in a very fast game”, commented head of high performance Stuart Neely. “A couple of mistakes cost us dearly, so we’re looking to avenge that this Friday night. It will be a good test.”
SOUNDERS FC U-23
Seattle are coming off of a 1-0 win against Washington Crossfire on Saturday, June 15, with Crossfire defender Matthew Fischer deflecting in an own goal to give Sounders FC the win.
After starting the season with two straight road losses to Portland Timbers U-23 and Victoria Highlanders FC, Sounders FC have gone on a terrific run of form. Seattle hold a record of 4W-1L-1D in their previous six matches. The Rave Green also have four clean sheets this season across eight matches.
Neely commented on the importance of playing a fierce rival and tough opponent at home.
“Anytime you play against MLS competition, especially rivals from your area, it adds a bit of spice to the overall fixture,” said Neely. “The players for both sides will be looking at it for bragging rights. It adds a bit of anticipation and nervousness for the boys, but it’s a good type of nervousness.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last season was the first for Seattle Sounders FC - formerly known as Tacoma Tide before being rebranded with their MLS partners.
In the Sounders first year in 2012, the 'Caps had a 0W-1L-1D record against their rivals with a 2-1 defeat and a 3-3 draw. Including this year's meeting on June 2 when Whitecaps FC fell 1-0, the 'Caps are 0W-2L-1D against their Northwest rivals.
NEXT UP
Following Friday’s Cascadia clash, the Blue and White continue hosting duties as they face Victoria Highlanders FC on Friday, June 28 at UBC Thunderbird Stadium in the final and decisive match for the 2013 Juan de Fuca Plate. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT and admission is free to the public.
