Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency (5W-3L-2D) return to the field for United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) action tonight as they travel to the Fraser Valley to face Abbotsford Mariners (3W-5L-2D) at Bateman Park at 6 p.m. PT.
This will be the third and final meeting of the season between the 'Caps and Abbotsford, with the Residency team winning both of their previous matches, 2-1 on May 13 at Empire Field and 1-0 on May 29 at Bateman Park.
RESIDENCY
Richard Grootscholten’s side are coming off of an important 3-1 Canada Day win against Victoria Highlanders FC this past Friday. Fans at Richmond’s Minoru Park were treated to an entertaining match, as the ‘Caps came out victorious despite playing the final 30 minutes a man short after Long Tan received a red card.
The Residency team have welcomed back five players, as Bryce Alderson, Yassin Essa, Adam Polakiewicz, Matteo Pasquotti, and Daniel Stanese have all returned from international duty with Canada's U-17 squad following their elimination from the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.
The five returnees each gained an immeasurable amount of experience in Mexico, and should return to PDL action fit and determined to help end the 'Caps in their fight for a playoff spot. Coupled with the addition of MLS roster players Philippe Davies, Alexandre Morfaw and Bryan Sylvestre, the Residency squad will look to continue their climb up the Northwest Division standings.
MARINERS
Abbotsford enter Monday's match-up on the back of a 4-1 home victory over Washington Crossfire last Wednesday night. Although in the middle of the Northwest Division standings, Abbotsford have been able to put forth strong efforts against some of the teams ahead of them, including victories over Portland and North Sound SeaWolves. Leading the attack for the Mariners is forward Sasa Plavsic with three goals in seven appearances, while goalkeeper Lucas Menz has seen the bulk of the action in goal thus far.
UP NEXT, TACOMA TIDE
Whitecaps FC Residency travel south for a match against Tacoma Tide on Friday, July 8, as they enter the final third of their PDL regular season schedule. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT at Curtis High School in Tacoma, Washington.
