Vancouver Whitecaps FC women close out their United Soccer Leagues W-League regular season on Friday night at Langley's McLeod Athletic Park, as they take on the visiting Colorado Force. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
The game is part of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series presented by Kia in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League, and is hosted by the United Summer Soccer League.
WHITECAPS FC
Head coach Hubert Busby Jr.’s side will be looking to rebound after a tough 2-1 defeat at the hands of Santa Clarita Blue Heat last Friday in Penticton, BC. That was the first time that the ‘Caps conceded a goal at home, so they will be looking to return to their stingy defensive form for their final regular match.
This is a critical match for the 'Caps, as a win will clinch a playoff spot. Should they win Friday and Santa Clarita fail to beat Pali Blues on Sunday, then Whitecaps FC would host the Western Conference final on Sunday, July 24, at 4 p.m. PT at Coquitlam’s Percy Perry Stadium. However, if Santa Clarita win against Pali, the ‘Caps will travel to play the playoff match at Santa Clarita, the only team to defeat Whitecaps FC this season. Anything less than victory for the ‘Caps on Friday would open the door for Pali to overtake them for the last playoff berth.
The 'Caps will be boosted by the return of Martina Franko, who captained the team to the W-League Championship final last season. The experienced defender was signed to the roster this week, as the 'Caps head towards the final stretch of their season.
FORCE
Colorado Force are an experienced W-League side, but have not exactly been a force in the W-League this season. Formerly known as Fort Collins Force, but now playing in the adjoining city of Loveland, Colorado, the team had trouble scoring earlier in the year, but have improved their attacking prowess as of late.
Head coach Tracy Chao, a former Force player, usually has her side aligned in a cautious 4-5-1 formation, with Samantha Pena the lone frontrunner. A key attacking midfielder is Madison McQuilliams, who is joined in the middle of the park by Kristin DeDycker, who previously played for Washington Freedom in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). Another former WPS player is former Colombia international forward Daniela Molina, though she has only seen limited action this season.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time, Whitecaps FC are 17W-1L-3D against the Force, and are undefeated at home at 9W-0L-1D. Last month, Whitecaps FC defeated the Force 2-0 in Colorado, as rookie forward Jenna Richardson scored twice on her W-League debut.
VOTE FOR THE 'FAN FAVOURITE AWARD'
With the regular season wrapping up, it's now time for fans to vote for their favourite Whitecaps FC women's player.
The Fan Favourite honour is one of five awards that will be presented at halftime of the Whitecaps FC versus Real Salt Lake MLS match this Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 1 p.m. PT. These awards include: Most Valuable Player, Outstanding Defender, Newcomer of the Year, the Blue & White award, and the Fan Favourite award.
Should Whitecaps FC finish the regular season in first place in the W-League’s Western Conference, they will host the Western Conference final playoff match on Sunday, July 24, at Coquitlam’s Percy Perry Stadium as part of the 2011 Whitecaps Women’s Soccer Series presented by Kia - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League. Kickoff for the playoff match would be at 4 p.m. PT.
