In search of their first victory in the MLS Reserve League, Vancouver Whitecaps FC reserves (0W-2L-1D) visit the winless LA Galaxy reserves (0W-4L-0D) on Monday morning. Kickoff from The Home Depot Center's Track & Field Stadium is set for 11 a.m. PT.
Both squads are coming off losses to the undefeated Seattle Sounders FC reserves in recent weeks. Monday's game begins a home-and-away West Division battle between Vancouver and Los Angeles, with the return match set to take place on Sunday, July 31, on Bell Pitch at Empire Field.
Whitecaps FC reserves will be bringing a deep squad to Carson, California. Top 2011 MLS SuperDraft pick Omar Salgado will be the feature component for the 'Caps attack and will be supported by the likes of striker Long Tan and midfielders Philippe Davies, Alexandre Morfaw, Michael Nanchoff and Russell Teibert. Tan was impressive for Whitecaps FC Residency with two fine goals in United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League action. Striker/midfielder Nizar Khalfan will also be joining the squad assembled by Whitecaps FC assistant coach Denis Hamlett. Khalfan appeared as a substitute in Vancouver's 1-0 MLS win at home to Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
Hamlett will have a selection of defenders to select from including Mouloud Akloul, Bilal Duckett, Greg Janicki, Wes Knight, Blake Wagner, as well as trialist Cian Hughton.The starting goalkeeper situation is yet to be determined but Brian Sylvestre and MLS league-wide reserve goalkeeper Kevin Guppy have also made the trip to Southern California
With both teams sitting at the bottom of the Reserve League's West Division, a victory for Whitecaps FC reserves would go a long way to boosting their position in the standings.
Following Monday's match, Whitecaps FC reserves will have an extended break, with five weeks off before hosting LA Galaxy reserves at Empire Field. The ‘Caps reserves will then play two games versus Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders FC reserves (Tuesday, August 9) and Portland Timbers reserves (Sunday, August 21).
