On Sunday afternoon, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency (4W-1L-2D) welcome Washington Crossfire (0W-4L-2D) in a Western Conference, Northwest Division showdown in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL).
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, BC. Sunday's match-up is the first between the two teams this season, and although separated by 12 points in the standings, both sides have been playing an exciting brand of soccer of late and should continue to do so. Whitecaps FC are currently riding a six-match undefeated streak in the PDL, with four wins and two draws in that span, while Washington have gone winless over that same stretch, despite several close results.
RESIDENCY
Residency head coach Richard Grootscholten’s young squad have been improving each and every time they step on the pitch, and will look to continue this progression in Coquitlam this weekend. The 'Caps looked shaky early in last week’s 2-1 victory over Portland Timbers U-23s on Bell Pitch at Empire Field, but settled down in the last thirty minutes to control the match and gain the three points, as they moved into second place in the PDL's Northwest Division.
With several players away on FIFA U-17 World Cup duty with Canada and others being called into MLS Reserve League action at LA Galaxy on Monday, this weekend’s match should provide a good test for the Blue and White.
CROSSFIRE
Washington Crossfire come into Sunday's match after a fixture against Victoria Highlanders FC on Vancouver Island on Saturday night. It has been a difficult season thus far for the Crossfire, who will be looking to get into the win column during their British Columbia road trip.
So far this season, each of the Crossfire's three goals have been scored from either the midfield or the backline, so look for head coach Bernie James' squad to push the pace with an attacking style, as he looks to get his strikers on the scoresheet.
BACK ON THE ROAD
Saturday, June 25, sees Whitecaps FC Residency travel to Everett, Washington, for a PDL Northwest Division clash versus North Sound SeaWolves. Kickoff at Frank Goddard Memorial Stadium is set for 5 p.m. PT.
