After a tough 2-1 defeat against Pali Blues on Wednesday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC women continue their three-match California road trip this weekend with matches against LA Strikers on Friday, June 29, and a clash with Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Sunday, July 1.
Friday's match kicks off at 7 p.m. PT and will be streamed live at www.livestream.com/kidzsportszone.Sunday's match kicks off at 2 p.m. PT. Follow the action on the official Whitecaps FC Twitter and Facebook pages.
WHITECAPS FC
Despite a setback against the first-place Pali Blues, the ‘Caps can be pleased with their improved play of late. Prior to Wednesday, the Blue and White had been on a five-match unbeaten run.
Striker Jenna Richardson will look to continue to build momentum from her first goal of the season on Wednesday, while Mele French will also be eager to add to her four goals so far. Danielle Johnson, meanwhile, will be keen to build on her W-League Team of the Week performance in defence.
LA STRIKERS
LA will be well rested as they will have not played since Sunday night, when they fell to Colorado Rapids Women 2-0.
The Strikers lost 3-1 to the ‘Caps in a match earlier this month at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam.
One player the ‘Caps will have to keep an eye on is Australian international Amy Chapman. The Aussie, 25, is a fast, relentless attacker that tallied impressive stats last season for the Strikers.
SANTA CLARITA BLUE HEAT
Santa Clarita, who sit in fourth place in the W-League’s Western Conference, will be looking to move further up the standings as they lie eight points behind Seattle Sounders FC Women for the final playoff spot.
The Blue Heat will be looking to exact revenge on the ‘Caps after Vancouver captured a 2-0 victory over the Blue Heat last weekend in Surrey.
The home team will not only look to take advantage of a road weary ‘Caps squad, but they will look to start their season-ending five-match home stand off on the right foot.
NEXT UP
Whitecaps FC women return home for their final home match of the season on Sunday, July 8, at 4 p.m. PT at Minoru Park in Richmond, as the ‘Caps will look to exact some revenge on intra-provincial rivals Victoria Highlanders FC after Victoria beat them in the season opener.
