After a surprising defeat on the road at Victoria Highlanders FC to open the season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are excited to kick off the home portion of their W-League schedule with a match against Western Conference rivals Colorado Rush at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley on Friday - hosted by Langley United Youth Soccer Association. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Whitecaps FC went 1W-1D-0L against the Rush last season, winning 3-0 on May 27 in Chilliwack and drawing 0-0 on June 19 in Denver. Against teams from Denver, Vancouver are 15W-1L-6D all-time and 10W-0L-1D at home.
WHITECAPS FC
Plans to kick off their season with a win were undone in Victoria last weekend, as an early red card to defender Brittany Galindo gave the Highlanders a man advantage for the rest of the match. Despite goals from Chelsea Buckland and Janine Frazao, Whitecaps FC eventually fell to a 3-2 defeat.
“The players showed great character after we went down to 10,” said head coach Jesse Symons after the match. “We failed to capitalize on some of our chances and give Victoria credit, they came out and played really hard. I look forward to our club bringing character and effort to the pitch in our home opener.”
Tonight, the ‘Caps will look to dress a dangerous and experienced squad. Canadian women’s National team stars Desiree Scott and Kaylyn Kyle don the Blue and White for their first match this season and will look to help push the team to a big win, while Hawaiian striker Mele French will be eager to showcase her attacking talents for the home faithful.
COLORADO RUSH
Playing their first match of the season, Colorado make their one and only trip up north during the regular season. The ‘Caps will travel to Denver for the rematch on July 13.
A youthful squad, Colorado will look to play an up-tempo possession game, pushing their offense through their midfielders. Head coach Erik Bushey brings a wealth of soccer knowledge to the Rush and has assembled a young exciting team with a few key players to keep an eye on. Defender Brittany Bock, formerly of the Western New York Flash, has been a stalwart in WPS for the past few seasons after she was drafted fifth overall in the 2009 WPS Draft by Los Angeles Sol. Bock will look to be a calming and steadying influence along the Colorado backline, which will be playing together for the first time. Midfielder Kendall Johnson will act as a key cog in the offensive system for Colorado. The University of Portland star has made 37 appearances for the Pilots in her two seasons and has tallied five goals and six assists. The ‘Caps will have to keep a close an eye on Bock and Johnson tonight.
NEXT UP
Following tonight’s match, the ‘Caps face Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders Women on Sunday, May 27, in a highly anticipated match at Coquitlam’s Percy Perry Stadium. For schedule and ticket information, visit whitecapsfc.com or contact Hugh Hamilton at 778.330.1360.
