VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC, in conjunction with the United Soccer Leagues (USL), announced today the 2011 USL W-League regular season schedule.
This year, the defending W-League Western Conference champions will play their regular season home schedule at seven different home venues throughout the province of British Columbia, as part of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League (GMSL).
"Last year was a very successful season in winning the Western Conference and an appearance in the W-League finals, as well as leading the league in attendance," said Whitecaps FC women's team head coach Hubert Busby Jr. "We will look to continue to build off that success and excited to help further grow the women's game by connecting our team with the community, fans, and partners. We are close to announcing some very exciting players and are in the process of building another very competitive team."
Whitecaps FC will kick off the 2011 season as the away side against W-League expansion outfit Victoria Highlanders FC at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford, BC, on Sunday, May 15, at 4 p.m. PT.
The two-time W-League champions will then open their home schedule against Interstate 5 rivals Seattle Sounders women at Coquitlam's Percy Perry Stadium on Sunday, May 22, at 4 p.m. PT. Five days later, the 'Caps will host Colorado Rush at Chilliwack's Exhibition Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT.
The club will also have home matches at Surrey's Newton Athletic Park Field on Friday, June 10; Whistler's Myrtle Philip Field on Friday, June 24; Richmond's Hugh Boyd Stadium on Canada Day (Friday, July 1); and Penticton's Kings Park Field on Friday, July 8. They conclude the regular season at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park Field on Friday, July 15. CLICK HERE for a complete schedule. Additional host youth club partner details, and information on how to purchase tickets will be announced soon.
The Canada Day match in Richmond, BC, will be a feature game as part of the opening night of the 2011 BC Provincial 'A' Cup tournament, while the Friday, July 8, game in Penticton, BC, will be part of the opening night of the 2011 BC Provincial 'B' Cup tournament.
In addition to the action on the pitch, Whitecaps FC will host free pre-match clinics and halftime mini games for local youth players. There will also be post-match autograph sessions with the Whitecaps FC women's team players.
The full 2011 W-League postseason format will be announced at a later date.
Ticket information for the 2011 Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series will be announced shortly. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com or call 604.669.9283.
