VANCOUVER, BC – One of the top teams in the Western Conference rolls into town this Wednesday when Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (10W-6L-0D) visit Whitecaps FC 2 (6W-8L-4D) at Thunderbird Stadium.
WFC2 have been on a roll at home - winning their last three, all of which were against Cascadia rivals. On Friday, the 'Caps rallied to win 2-1 versus Timbers 2 to notch their fifth home win of the season.
Meanwhile, Colorado Springs look to bounce back from a 3-1 road loss against Tulsa Roughnecks FC last Saturday.
This will be the second meeting between the two squads. On June 6, Switchbacks FC shut out WFC2 3-0 at Sand Creek Stadium, starting a three-match tailspin for the 'Caps, but the Blue and White now look like a different team.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the door.
Here below are what fans should look out for in the mid-week USL clash.
THE BILLY AND BLASCO SHOW
Schuler finds Blasco for the eventual game-winner against T2
What a combination head coach Alan Koch has found in striker Billy Schuler and midfielder Victor Blasco.
The duo connected again on Friday when Schuler found his Spanish attacking partner on the left side of the box. Blasco promptly went into what appears to be his signature finish - cutting right before stopping on a dime and unleashing a right-foot strike.
Three times now in the last two matches, Schuler has found Blasco for the score .
They'll be looking for number four against Switchbacks FC.
RISING TO THE OCCASION
Rosenlund steps up with his first goal of the season
The 'Caps did not have their regular rotation on Friday but it did not matter.
The young side have adopted the mantra of next man up - with captain Tyler Rosenlund providing an offensive boost with his first goal of the season and Craig Nitti being an imposing presence in the back.
It won't be any different this week and it will be interesting who will step up for the 'Caps.
New acquisition Will Seymore may get a chance. Koch thinks highly of the versatile English defender. The former Oregon State standout was born in Colorado Springs before relocating to England. Could it be fate that he makes his debut against his hometown side and be the difference?
HIGH-POWERED SWITCHBACKS FC OFFENCE
The numbers are staggering.
Colorado Springs are league-leaders in goals per game (2.12), fourth in assists average (1.25) and feature two players in the top six for points per game (Luke Vercollone with 1.44 and Miguel Gonzalez with 1.33).
No wonder Switchbacks FC are among the best in the West and the 'Caps backline will be welcoming the challenge.
Signs are pointing to an old-fashioned shootout at The 'Bird.
Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL arrives in Vancouver. WFC2 matches are a unique and affordable experience for fans, families, students, and supporters. Flex packs are available to fit your schedule – get seven tickets to use any way you want, to any matches you want. For more information on all WFC2 ticket options, call 604-484-7862 or e-mail wfc2@whitecapsfc.com.
