Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency (6W-4L-3D) face an important weekend in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL), as they visit the undefeated Kitsap Pumas (11W-0L-3D) on Saturday night. Kickoff from Bremerton Memorial High School in Bremerton, Washington, is set for 6 p.m. PT.
Currently sitting third in the PDL's Western Conference, Northwest Division, the Residency team will look to gain ground on second-place Victoria Highlanders FC, who currently hold the second of the division's two playoff spots. Comfortably in the first playoff spot, the Pumas have been the class of the Northwest Division all season, going undefeated in league play, and tallying 39 goals for and only eight goals against.
The two teams squared off in Whitecaps FC's first PDL match of the season back on May 1 on Bell Pitch at Empire Field, with Kitsap coming away with a 2-0 victory over the home side. It was Pumas goalkeeper Bryan Meredith’s first of seven clean sheets this season - good for third overall in the PDL.
RESIDENCY
Delighted with the Residency team's effort which saw them take four of a possible six points on the road last weekend, head coach Richard Grootscholten should have a full squad to choose from, as the Blue and White make a push for the PDL playoffs in Washington State. Major League Soccer roster players Philippe Davies and Alexandre Morfaw have also been made available for the Saturday evening fixture and will be looking to build on the team's recent road success.
Striker Ben Fisk will also look to continue his late season scoring prowess, which has seen him register three goals in the past six games. Fellow striker Caleb Clarke, with two goals in the past four contests, should help to provide some offence to a young 'Caps squad that has registered 19 goals for this season, compared to 18 goals against.
PUMAS
Kitsap come into Saturday's fixture, having lost one match and posting nine clean sheets, on their way to first place in the Northwest Division and a guaranteed spot in the PDL postseason. Following Wednesday’s 7-2 away win over North Sound SeaWolves, the Pumas will be looking to maintain their blistering form, as they return home. Midfielder Matt Friesen has paced the club thus far with eight goals on the season, while a supporting cast of strikers Robert Christner and Warlen Silva, midfielder David Gray, and defender Taylor Hyde will look to help the Pumas continue their impressive 2011 campaign.
COMING DOWN THE STRETCH…
Whitecaps FC Residency continue their run to the PDL playoffs this Wednesday night, as they return to the friendly confines of Burnaby's Swangard Stadium to host North Sound SeaWolves in their home finale. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT. The Residency will then wrap up their PDL regular season schedule away to Washington Crossfire on Sunday, July 24.
