By Simon Fudge/whitecapsfc.com
Vancouver Whitecaps FC play their eighth friendly match of the 2009 preseason when they face Seattle University Redhawks on Sunday afternoon.
The turf field at Winskill Park in Tsawwassen will be the venue for the weekend contest, with the Tsawwassen Soccer Club hosting a Whitecaps preseason game for the sixth consecutive year.
On Tuesday night, Teitur Thordarson's side made a winning return to action on North American soil with a 5-2 victory over University of British Columbia Thunderbirds at UBC's Thunderbird Park. The win took Vancouver's preseason record to four wins, two defeats, and a draw since the squad began preparations for the 2009 season back on January 19. "I think were on track with things," said assistant coach Todd Wawrousek on Tuesday. "We'll have another pretty good test on Sunday, as we've been made aware that Seattle University are a pretty good side. The game is sure to get us that much closer to the season opener against Charleston Battery on April 11."
The Blue and White will now look to test themselves against NCAA Division I opposition, as Brad Agoos' side head north to take on the defending USL First Division champions. Last fall, the Redhawks returned to the Division I level from Division II, with the team concluding the 2008 season with a record of 11-3-1 after participating as an independent school. For the 2009 campaign, Seattle University will be members of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
The Whitecaps are still without the injured trio of Geordie Lyall, Lyle Martin, and Justin Moose for Sunday's match. Haitian midfielder Kenold Versailles is also sidelined with a knee problem, while centre back Wesley Charles is still in the Republic of Ireland tending to personal matters. Meanwhile, two new players have joined Gordon Chin in training with the 'Caps. Former Toronto FC midfielder Tyler Rosenlund and former New York Red Bulls defender Jeff Parke joined Thordarson's squad this week, as they look to impress the Icelandic tactician.
The Whitecaps will conclude their preseason schedule on Friday, April 3, when they host USL-1 rivals Portland Timbers at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex.
Sunday's friendly versus Seattle University at Winskill Park in Tsawwassen kicks off at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Admission for the preseason match is free. You can also watch Sunday's match live on Delta Cable's DCTV channel 4.
Whitecaps 2009 season tickets are now on sale. Season tickets include all men’s and women's team regular season and playoff home matches at Swangard Stadium, Nutrilite Canadian Championship home matches against Toronto FC and Montreal Impact, as well as priority listing for Vancouver MLS 2011 in BC Place and the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium. For more information on the 2009 season ticket packages, click here or call 604.669.WAVE (9283).
