Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 (2W-4L-2D) finish their run of four consecutive road matches this Saturday in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) with a second trip to Victoria Highlanders FC (2W-3L-3D). Kickoff from Royal Athletic Park will be at 7 p.m. PT.
With a handful of difficult matches behind them, the sixth-place Whitecaps will look for a third win on the campaign and a first away from home. Victoria currently sit just one point ahead of the ‘Caps in the Northwest Division standings.
Vancouver boasts a 3W-2L-2D record against the Highlanders, with neither side able to find a win in the others’ stadium as of yet. Just under a month ago, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw at Royal Athletic Park on Mother’s Day.
WHITECAPS FC U-23
The ‘Caps come into Saturday’s match in search of an elusive first win away from home. Craig Dalrymple’s men will again have the chance to move ahead in the standings with a result over Victoria. The deadly duo of Major League Soccer striker Caleb Clarke, and dynamic Residency attacker Ben Fisk have combined for seven goals and two assists thus far in the PDL.
Aside from the importance in the PDL Northwest Division standings, a win would bring the ‘Caps level with the Highlanders in the Juan De Fuca Plate derby. Victoria grabbed two wins in their last two matches against Fraser Valley for the fan-based cup; the Whitecaps will play their re-scheduled second meeting with the Mariners on Wednesday, June 20.
HIGHLANDERS FC
After their first meeting with the ‘Caps, Victoria endured a grueling winless run over their next four matches. However, the Highlaners are currently riding a two-match winning, having tasted victory with consecutive 4-0 and 2-0 wins against last-place Fraser Valley Mariners FC. Craig Gorman spearheaded the attack in both those games, recording two goals and one assist so far this month. The 12th man for Victoria will be their always-raucous fan support, which saw 1,172 fans present for the first meeting against the Whitecaps this season.
CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 will get a long-awaited home return in the PDL for a first clash with third-place Washington Crossfire on Friday, June 15. Kickoff from Simon Fraser University’s Field #4 begins at 7:30 p.m. PT.
