After earning a draw to open the 2012 MLS Reserve League season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC reserves (0W-0L-1D) play their first away match of the campaign at San Jose Earthquakes reserves (1W-0L-0D) on Easter Sunday. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. PT.
You can follow Sunday’s Reserve League match @WhitecapsFC
Less than 24 hours after the two clubs clashed in Major League Soccer action, Vancouver and San Jose’s second string will meet at the Earthquakes Training Facility in San Jose, California, for this latest clash in the Reserve League’s West Division. Led by assistant coach Carl Robinson (pictured left), the Blue and White are looking to build on last month’s 1-1 home draw versus Seattle Sounders FC reserves, while San Jose’s reserves are looking for a second home win after opening their schedule with a 1-0 victory over Portland Timbers reserves on March 27. Both clubs each won their home fixtures last season, with last year’s meeting in San Jose being Whitecaps FC’s first-ever match in the Reserve League on March 22, 2011.
The ‘Caps reserves squad for Easter Sunday will include striker Atiba Harris, who missed the first-team clash at Buck Shaw Stadium clash through suspension, and midfielder Matt Watson, who appeared as a late substitute on Saturday. Youngsters Bryce Alderson and Russell Teibert are also available following their recent spell with Canada’s U-23 Olympic team, while five members of Whitecaps FC Residency are also included in the roster.
Vancouver’s second string will play four more home matches during their Reserve League campaign. This includes Whitecaps FC’s next reserve match on Sunday, April 22, versus Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers reserves at Swangard Stadium. That is followed by three matches at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC): Tuesday, June 12, against LA Galaxy reserves; Monday, July 23, against Chivas USA reserves; and Monday, September 10, against San Jose Earthquakes reserves. Kickoff will be 3 p.m. PT for the April 22 match at Swangard Stadium and 11 a.m. PT for the three matches at UBC Thunderbird Stadium. Admission to all MLS Reserve League home matches is free of charge.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC RESERVES
Goalkeepers: Callum Irving, Brad Knighton
Defenders: Sam Adekugbe, Michael Boxall, Carlyle Mitchell, Greg Klazura
Midfielders: Bryce Alderson, Ben Fisk, Ben McKendry, Russell Teibert, Matt Watson
Strikers: Atiba Harris, Caleb Clarke, Omar Salgado, Long Tan
*Whitecaps FC Residency player
