Playing their second MLS Reserve League match in less than a week, Vancouver Whitecaps FC reserves (2W-1L-1D) make the short trip down Interstate 5 to Tukwila, Washington, to take on Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders FC reserves (1W-2L-1D) on Friday evening. Kickoff from Starfire Sports Stadium is set for 6 p.m. PT.
You can listen to Friday's Reserve League match HERE or follow on Twitter @WhitecapsFC or at a LIVE BLOG HERE
Currently leading the Reserve League’s West Division standings, the ‘Caps second string will aim for a second straight away victory over a Cascadia opponent following last Sunday’s 2-1 win at Portland Timbers reserves. Vancouver have enjoyed being away from home this Reserve League season, as their two wins came in San Jose and Portland, respectively. Whitecaps FC reserves are 1W-1L-1D all-time versus Seattle’s second string, with both sides drawing 1-1 in their season-opening match at University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Thunderbird Stadium on March 26.
Whitecaps FC assistant coach Paul Ritchie (pictured right) will take charge of the ‘Caps reserves on Friday night. The former Scotland international will select his line-up from virtually the same squad that defeated Portland’s second string last weekend. The travelling roster includes recent Homegrown player signing Caleb Clarke and Whitecaps FC Residency products Callum Irving and Daniel Stanese.
“The competition we have for places in the squad is very good, so I expect everyone to show up tomorrow night and give everything in the game,” Ritchie told whitecapsfc.com. “If you look at the squads we had in San Jose and Portland, they were mainly first-team squads, so we played strong line-ups. I believe we can go down there and give a good account of ourselves and compete against a very good Seattle team.”
The ‘Caps reserves have three more home matches during their 2012 Reserve League campaign. Those three remaining home matches will be held at UBC Thunderbird Stadium: Tuesday, June 12, against LA Galaxy reserves; Monday, July 23, against Chivas USA reserves; and Monday, September 10, against San Jose Earthquakes reserves. Kickoff for all three matches at Thunderbird Stadium is set for 11 a.m. PT and admission is free of charge.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC RESERVES
Goalkeepers: Brad Knighton, Callum Irving
Defenders: Jordan Harvey, Greg Klazura, Carlyle Mitchell, Daniel Stanese, Russell Teibert
Midfielders: Bryce Alderson, Floyd Franks, Michael Nanchoff, Matt Watson
Strikers: Etienne Barbara, Caleb Clarke, Darren Mattocks, Omar Salgado, Long Tan
*Whitecaps FC U-23 PDL/Residency
