Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 (2W-2L-1D) begin a set of four straight road matches this Wednesday night when they meet Sounders FC U23 (2W-1L-2D) in United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) action. Kickoff from Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington, is set for 6 p.m. PT.
Whitecaps FC
Sitting in fourth place in the Northwest Division, Vancouver are in search of some consistency as they hit the road against a Sounders side just one point ahead of them in the standings. The Sounders have had their fair share of close results thus far in the PDL, with their most recent showdown on Sunday versus last place Fraser Valley Mariners FC ending in a tight 2-1 win. A win by either side will take them behind only Portland Timbers U-23s for second place in the division.
The Whitecaps will look to avenge their 2-1 loss to the Sounders from their second match this season, a 2-1 defeat on Friday, May 11 at Swangard Stadium. The Tacoma, Washington-based club currently sits at the top of the PDL version of the Cascadia Cup with three points, level with Portland Timbers U-23s in the early stages of the PDL version of the Cascadia Cup.
Captain Gagan Dosanjh is coming off an impressive solo display in Saturday’s loss to Portland, notching his first goal of the season amidst some threatening runs in attack and strong defending at centre field. Following that performance, coach Craig Dalrymple commented on his efforts as a positive for the next match: “His heart was on his sleeve and he was the hardest working player on the field. We need all eleven players to mirror that work ethic.”
Sounders FC
Sounders FC U23 have done well to weather the storm of the tough PDL Northwest Division so far, with their only loss coming at the hands of last season’s PDL champs, Kitsap Pumas. The side will be playing only their second match at home this season following two tough road wins.
Midfielder Fernando Monge has played a crucial role for his squad to this point, starting in all five games and finding the back of the net on three occasions – including a goal in the first match against Whitecaps FC. Like Vancouver, the Sounders will feel the pressure to capitalize on Wednesday’s match, as they will also see Portland in the first week of June.
NEXT UP
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 will hit the road for another quick shot at redemption against Portland Timbers U-23s on Friday June 1 at 11 a.m. PT at JELD-WEN Field. A win away to Portland will place the ‘Caps right back into the mix for a divisional playoff spot.
