It was a dominant weekend for Whitecaps FC Residency teams with goals galore in every match as the 'Caps hosted home matches against Real So Cal and Arsenal FC.
U-18
The U-18s earned back-to-back 4-0 wins over their California counterparts.
The boys got things started on Saturday with a win over previously unbeaten Real So Cal. Daniel Sagno scored the first one on 12 minutes off a great ball in from Marcello Polisi. Terran Campbell doubled the lead on 31 minutes, with Sagno playing provider. Gloire Amanda made it 3-0 before Andre Baires rounded out the scoring from the penalty spot.
"Today was a pleasing team effort and performance," said U-18 head coach Rich Fagan after Saturday's match. "Four beautiful goals and a clean sheet, it doesn't get much better."
On Sunday, the ‘Caps kept the momentum going. Thomas Gardner scored in the first half, followed by second half goals from Campbell, David Norman, and Baires.
"A perfect way to cap off a positive weekend," said Fagan on Sunday. "It's always nice to score goals, but it's just as pleasing not to concede any. Great weekend for the team."
Whitecaps FC U-18 lineup vs. Real So Cal
22.Aidan Aylward; 12.Andre Earthy-Find, 16.Quinn Bredin, 2.Andre Baires, 3.Kadin Chung; 8.Marcello Polisi (18.David Norman 60'), 4.Matthew Baldisimo (8.Marcello Polisi 45'), 28.Thomas Gardner (23.Liam McManaman 65'); 10.Daniel Sagno (6.Eric de Graaf 68'), 17.Terran Campbell, 9.Gloire Amanda (11.Cole Morokhovich 60')
Whitecaps FC U-18 lineup vs. Arsenal FC
13.Luciano Trasolini; 3.Kadin Chung, 2.Andre Baires, 6.Eric de Graaf, 16.Quinn Bredin; 4.Matthew Baldisimo, 18.David Norman, 28.Thomas Gardner (23.Liam McManaman 75'); 10.Daniel Sagno (12.Andre Earthy-Find 80'), 17.Terran Campbell, 9.Gloire Amanda (11.Cole Morokhovich 45')
U-16
The U-16s remained unbeaten on the season after six matches, extending their winning streak to five games.
On Saturday, the ‘Caps earned a 3-1 win over Real So Cal. Alphonso Davies(pictured) scored early before Nicolas Apostol doubled the lead in the second half. Real So Cal cut the lead to 2-1 on a penalty kick before the ‘Caps got a penalty kick of their own, which was finished with a second goal from Davies.
"Overall a pleasing display again for the boys," said U-16 head coach Adam Day on Saturday. "We controlled almost all of the game in possession and we were very confident with the ball which is something we have been trying to improve on of late."
Sunday brought even more goals for the U-16s. Two goals each from Alan Camacho and Theo Bair, and one each from Alessandro Hojabrpour and Andres Charles-Barrerasaw a 6-1victory for the home side.
"A really positive end to a good weekend," said Day on Sunday. "We challenged the boys today to show belief and confidence and they've done just that. A solid display in front of goal as we were completely ruthless at times. Overall a good performance that will give the group more confidence going into next week's big clash against our rivals Seattle Sounders FC."
Another bright spot for the U-16s was second half playing time for Pre-Residency players TeBoy Faiya, Nikolas White, and Ali Zohar.
Whitecaps FC U-16 lineup vs. Real So Cal
43.Evan Ince; 48.Terrell Smith (52.Gabriel Escobar 65'), 25.Brendan Skinner, 29.Joel Harrison, 43.Christopher Guerreiro (36.Jonas Hakkinen 70'); 33.Michael Baldisimo, 38.Andres Charles-Barrera (27.Alessandro Hojabrpour 65'), 34.Georges Mukumbilwa (32.Noah Verhoeven 60'); 39.Alphonso Davies, 41.Alan Camacho (40.Theo Bair 45'); 37.Nicolas Apostol
Whitecaps FC U-16 lineup vs. Arsenal FC
50.Trevor Schneider; 36.Jonas Hakkinen, 46.Liam Robinson, 29.Joel Harrison (4.Nikolas White 60'), 51.Tudor Mihaila; 38.Andres Charles-Barrera (5.Ali Zohar 60'), 27.Alessandro Hojabrpour, 32.Noah Verhoeven; 34.Georges Mukumbilwa (45.Devin O'Hea 50'), 40.Theo Bair, 41.Alan Camacho (11.TeBoy Faiya 60')
International 'Caps
Last Wednesday was a huge milestone for the Residency program as three 'Caps grads suited up for senior men's national team. Kianz Froese made his senior debut, starting and playing 90 minutes. Marco Bustos also made his debut and was joined as a sub by Sam Adekugbe.
On the U-23 side, Caleb Clarke and Jackson Farmer wrapped up Olympic qualifying with Canada as the Red and White finished fourth at the tournament.
Following Saturday's matches, six Whitecaps FC Residency players joined Canada's U-18 national team camp in Burnaby. Selected among the group of 20 players are defenders Michael Baldisimo, Brendan Skinner (pictured) and Terrell Smith, and midfielders Nicolas Apostol, Alphonso Davies(pictured), and Gabriel Escobar.
Residency in the pros
Last week was a massive one for Bustos. Not only did he make his Canadian men's national team debut, but also his MLS debut on Wednesday in Dallas. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was lively as a second half substitute, showing that he has a bright future ahead.
