The 2011 Vancouver Whitecaps FC women’s season kicked off Sunday with a convincing 2-0 win over United Soccer Leagues W-League expansion outfit Victoria Highlanders FC at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford, BC. Experienced midfielder Kelsey Hood was prominent in the middle, sporting her new captain’s armband, an honour that head coach Hubert Busby Jr. bestowed on the 24-year-old native of Ankeny, Iowa, last week.
“Kelsey is a model professional with an impressive college career who our young players will learn from,” said Busby. “She has a wonderful work ethic that should set the standard for our team, as we progress through the season and into the playoffs. Her determination is undeniable, and should help our squad in reaching its ultimate goal of a league championship.”
"Whitecaps FC have a long history of success and I have followed them throughout my career," added Hood. “Some of the greatest players in the world have played for this club and to be named captain is a huge honour."
Hood has been a captain before, leading the 2008 University of Minnesota Golden Gophers to 22 wins, a Big Ten regular season championship, and a berth in the NCAA tournament where they made the program’s deepest postseason run to the 'Sweet Sixteen'. She led the team to a Big Ten record 17 shutouts, while being named to the Soccer Buzz All-America Second Team, as well as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. In 2009, Hood served as a volunteer assistant with her alma mater, gaining a valuable perspective from the other side of the game. Following her collegiate career, Hood played with the W-League’s Minnesota Lightning, where she made 12 starts, registering two assists. In 2010, Hood took her skills across the Atlantic, suiting up for Norwegian Toppserien club FK Donn.
In 2011, defending W-League Western Conference champions Whitecaps FC 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 presented by Kia - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League (GMSL).
Whitecaps FC will kick off their 2011 home schedule on Sunday, May 22, at 4 p.m. PT, when they battle Seattle Sounders at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, BC. Five days later, the 'Caps will host Colorado Rush at Chilliwack's Exhibition Stadium at 7:00 p.m. PT. Additional home venues include Surrey's Newton Athletic Park Field on Friday, June 10; Whistler's Myrtle Philip Field on Friday, June 24; Richmond's Minoru Arena on Canada Day (Friday, July 1); and Penticton's Kings Park Field on Friday, July 8. The team concludes the regular season at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park Field on Friday, July 15.
Ticket information for the 2011 Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series will be announced shortly. For additional information, visit CLICK HERE or call 604.669.WAVE (9283).
