PORTLAND, OREGON – Whitecaps FC 2 aim for their third straight road win when they visit Cascadia rival Timbers 2 on Sunday in Portland. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT live on whitecapsfc2.com.
Two weeks ago, the August schedule looked daunting but after two thorough road victories to start the trip, WFC2 (8W-10L-5D) find themselves arguably playing their best soccer in the season.
With both sides just outside of the playoff picture and the schedule fast dwindling down, the rivals are expected to leave everything on the Merlo Field pitch on Sunday.
PUSHING THE RIGHT BUTTONS
After surrendering four goals to Tulsa Roughnecks FC last July 24, the 'Caps have allowed only one goal - off a penalty kick - in the last two matches.
This coincides with some chess moves made by WFC2 head coach Alan Koch on the backline, making full use of his roster's versatility.
Natural attacking midfielder Sahil Sandhu was inserted into the starting right back position, while versatile defender Will Seymore moved up to holding midfielder to give Koch a fluid midfield without sacrificing the defence.
"Sahil has shown his versatility having played as a striker, midfielder and then now in the back," Koch said, "Having a right back with an attacking mindset allows us for another option and outlet."
Craig Nitti and Jackson Farmer provide the anchor at centre back, while both Jordan Haynes and Sam Adekugbe have split time on the left side during the current winning streak.
FLOODGATES HAVE OPENED
Whitecaps FC 2 began their road trip averaging 1.33 goals per match after 21 matches but have found the net three times in each outing since.
The main catalyst has been Marco Bustos, who has shown the full arsenal in the last two weeks. The first team midfielder has scored off a penalty kick, on the counter-attack, and on chip shots off a breakaway and in traffic.
Victor Blasco has been quietly putting together an impressive string of matches as well, recording four goals and three assists in his last seven appearances.
Tied with Bustos for team-lead in goals with six is Caleb Clarke. The Richmond, BC native has not scored a goal since June 27 but has found ways to be just as effective, assisting on the first Bustos goal versus Seattle Sounders FC 2 last Saturday.
With Bustos, Blasco and Clarke clicking, WFC2 will be hard to stop.
CASCADIA FINALE
This is the fourth match between the Pacific Northwest rivals, with WFC2 taking the first two fixtures at Thunderbird Stadium before T2 won in Portland last July 19. Saturday also brings to a close the USL version of the Cascadia derby matches this year.
If the head-to-head records among the three USL Cascadia teams were tracked, the 'Caps would have to win on Sunday to be crowned derby winners this season. Three points would tie WFC2 with Sounders FC 2 at the top of the Cascadia standings, and Vancouver would win the tie-breaker via their 2W-1L-1D record versus Seattle.
<strong>Win</strong> |
<strong>Loss</strong> |
<strong>Draw</strong> |
<strong>Points</strong> |
|
<img alt="" src="https://vancouver-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/SoundersFC2-logo.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"> |
5 |
2 |
1 |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://vancouver-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/WFC2-logo-main.png" style="width: 38px; height: 50px;"> |
4 |
2 |
1 |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://vancouver-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Timbers2-Logo.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"> |
1 |
6 |
0 |
<strong>3</strong> |
If the 'Caps are to conclude the USL Cascadia season with a win, Kharlton Belmar would have to be contained. Belmar leads the Timbers 2 attack, scoring and assisting in the last meeting with the 'Caps. He paces his team in goals with nine and is one of four T2 players with three assists.
After Sunday, Whitecaps FC 2 conclude their road trip at Arizona United SC on August 22. WFC2 are then back at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday, September 6 for their final homestand of the season when they host defending USL champions Sacramento Republic FC. Tickets are available here.
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 also 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.
