MATCH PREVIEW
Vancouver Whitecaps FC women play their final home match of their 2012 United Soccer Leagues (USL) W-League season on Sunday, July 8, as they take on provincial rivals Victoria Highlanders FC at Minoru Oval Park in Richmond – hosted by Richmond Youth Soccer Association. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT.
Whitecaps FC
The ‘Caps return home after spending the week prior on the road, playing three matches in California. Overall, head coach Jesse Symons and his squad went 1W-1L-1D, starting off with a tough 2-1 defeat at the hands of first-place Pali Blues last Wednesday, followed by a 3-3 draw against LA Strikers on Friday, and ending in fine style with a 2-1 win over Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Sunday.
Standing out for the ‘Caps was striker Jenna Richardson. During the three matches, the White Rock, BC, native scored four goals and had two assists to earn herself a spot on the W-League Team of the Week.
The Blue and White will no doubt have revenge on their minds today after losing to Victoria in the season opener. The ‘Caps went down to 10 players early after defender Brittany Galindo was lost to a red card and eventually went on to lose a spirited 3-2 match – despite outshooting their opponents 22-5.
Highlanders FC
Victoria has struggled this season as they sit in last place in the Western Conference with only three points in 12 league games. However, they will be riding high going into today’s match knowing they have beaten the ‘Caps before. This will also be Victoria’s final match of their W-League season.
One player the ‘Caps and their fans will have to keep an eye on is forward Lindsay Hoetzel, who came off the bench to score two goals – including the winner – in the season opener against Vancouver.
“Victoria brings a lot of energy to the pitch, and with this being a bit of an intra-provincial rivalry match, we know they’re going to bring it,” said Jesse Symons, Whitecaps FC women’s head coach. “We know this is our last home game of the season and we expect the fans to bring great energy just like they have all season long.”
Next Up
The ‘Caps next travel to Colorado to wrap up their W-League season with road matches against Colorado Rush on Friday, July 13, and Colorado Rapids Women on Sunday, July 15.
