VANCOUVER, BC
– Eras collide on Saturday as Vancouver Whitecaps FC host the first-ever alumni friendly against Whitecaps FC 2.
It will be experience versus youth when
former captain Jay DeMerit
and
legend Young-Pyo Lee
take to the BC Place pitch again to face the talented rising stars on WFC2.
Kickoff for Saturday’s charity match is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. PT and will precede the MLS match
between Whitecaps FC and Philadelphia Union
. Lee will be signing autographs from 3:30 to 4 p.m. PT on the concourse at section 205. There will also be $10 YP Lee shirts for sale.
Tickets to the alumni match are still available (call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 to purchase). A limited number of tickets will also be available for purchase at the tent located at BC Place outside of Gate A. Valid ticket for the afternoon’s MLS match must be presented
WHITECAPS FC ALUMNI
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qA-4vQrRIhg"></a> |
<b>Young-Pyo Lee will take to the BC Place pitch again.</b> |
The ‘Caps alumni side boasts a long roster of who's who in the club's rich 41-year history.
Fan-favourite goalkeeper Jay Nolly will man the net and will team with DeMerit and Lee in anchoring the defence against the lively legs of WFC2. Striker John Catliff will rely on wits and savvy to get past the WFC2 back line that has been stout in recent USL play.
With 22 former players on deck, the alumni can take advantage of their depth, experience and the short 30-minute halves to show their young counterparts some tricks of the trade.
"I think there's enough experienced guys out there that are going to show that sometimes you don't have to have crazy runs and go wild," Nolly said. "It's about being smart and being in the right position."
The legends team took part in a scrimmage on Tuesday, holding their own against the younger KPU Eagles, tying them 2-2.
Alumni roster:
Goalkeepers: Srdjan Djekanovic, Paul Dolan, Jay Nolly
Fullbacks: Diaz Kambere, Young-Pyo Lee, Geordie Lyall, Jeff Skinner
Centre backs: Nico Berg, Jay DeMerit, Steve MacDonald, Steve McCauley, Steve Millar
Centre midfielders: Gordon Chin, Jeff Clarke, Chris Craveiro, Nick Dasovic, Kevin Harmse
Wide midfielders: Craig Dalrymple, Tiarnan King, Joe Scigliano, Sipho Sibiya
Strikers: John Catliff, Carlo Corazzin, Oliver Heald, Jason Jordan, Niall Thompson
WHITECAPS FC 2
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/libXatlS4BU"></a> |
<b>WFC 2 earn a 1-1 draw against Seattle Sounders FC 2.</b> |
WFC2 are coming into the match eager to impress the very same players they watched growing up.
With 10 Canadians on the roster, fans will be treated to seeing up-and-coming talents at the club. Midfielders Tyler Rosenlund (Port Coquitlam, B.C.) and Brett Levis (Saskatoon, Sask.) are two players who have excelled so far this season, and could be key in the midfield matchup. Overall, the team will look to use their athleticism to navigate the USL side's offence through the alumni team's battle-tested back-line.
More than the competition, the young guys will be watching their veteran counterparts closely to soak up every trick of the trade and move that they can make their own.
"The alumni game will be a great opportunity for our young pros to rub shoulders with some of our club heroes from years gone by," said WFC2 head coach Alan Koch. "It will be a special day and I am sure that the alumni will still be able to show their class on the pitch."
Whitecaps FC 2 current roster:
Goalkeepers:Spencer Richey, Marco Carducci
Fullbacks:Jordan Haynes, Chris Serban
Centre backs:Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti
Centre midfielders:Ian Christianson, Andre Lewis, Ben McKendry, Mitch Piraux, Tyler Rosenlund
Wide midfielders:Victor Blasco, Jovan Blagojevic, Brett Levis, Sahil Sandhu
Strikers:Caleb Clarke, Mackenzie Pridham, Billy Schuler
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WHITECAPS FC ALUMNI #22 Diaz Kambere – The former 'Caps defender looked like he has not lost a beat since his years with the club from 2006 to 2008. He's still lacing up the cleats in the Multicultural Soccer League of British Columbia, and he showed to be in tip-top shape when he scored a goal during last Tuesday's scrimmage with KPU.
WHITECAPS FC 2 #51 Billy Schuler– The crafty 5-foot-11 striker scored his second goal of the USL season last week against Los Angeles Galaxy II. It will be interesting if he can combine with Caleb Clarke again and show the alumni tricks of their own.
Fans interested in attending the alumni match can purchase tickets by calling the ‘Caps office at 604.669.9283 ext. 2. Tickets for the alumni match are $5 with all proceeds being donated to the ‘Caps community partner, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. In order to purchase a ticket for the alumni match, fans must have or purchase a ticket for the evening’s MLS match.
Following Saturday’s friendly, WFC2 are back in USL action at home for three straight Sunday home matches, starting on Sunday, May 17 against OKC Energy FC. Tickets for all WFC2 home matches are available at whitecapsfc.com/wfc2tickets.
Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL arrives in Vancouver. WFC2 matches are a unique and affordable experience for fans, families, students, and supporters. Season Tickets start as low as $118, with prorated prices available. Flex packs are also available to fit your schedule – get seven tickets to use any way you want, to any matches you want. For more information on all WFC2 ticket options, call 604-484-7862 or e-mail wfc2@whitecapsfc.com.
