Coming off of a successful a pair of victories over Crossfire Premier U-18 and U-16 in United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) competition last weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency will play against Real So Cal U-18 and U-16 at Starfire Sports Complex Field 11 in Tukwila, Washington on Saturday. Whitecaps FC Residency U-18 will kick things off versus their U-18 counterparts at 12:45 p.m. PT before the U-16 squads complete the second half of the doubleheader at 3:15 p.m. PT.
U-16:
Currently sitting at the top of the USSDA West Conference, Northwest Division standings, Whitecaps FC Residency U-16 (2W-1L-0D) will look to widen their dominance with a win over Real So Cal U-16 (2W-3L-0D) on Saturday after earning their second consecutive clean-sheet in their last match. Whitecaps FC Residency U-16 will also look to extend their two-match winning streak prompted by a six goal outburst in the past two matches highlighted with four different players scoring in the first three matches.
Vancouver will also look to continue their quick starts in matches after Carlos Patino tallied early in the first half against Crossfire Premier U-16 to give the ‘Caps a 1-0 victory. With offensive opportunities continuing to increase as the team continues to grow in familiarity with each other, the team still maintains a ‘defence first’ motto in training which has also seen the squad concede only two goals in 2011 USSDA competition.
U-18:
Also sitting in first place in the USSDA West Conference, Northwest Division table in the U-17/U18 standings, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency U-18 (2W-0L-1D) will look to extend their advantage this weekend with a victory over Real So Cal U-18 (2W-2L-1D). The squad is coming off an impressive performance over Crossfire Premier U-18, with Caleb Clarke ’s two goal performance in Burnaby pushing his tally total to five goals already this season.
Currently undefeated in their 2011 USSDA inaugural season, Vancouver will have their hands full defensively against a Real So Cal U-18 side that is powered by Juan Samayoa and his two goals this season. However, with Bryce Alderson, Clarke, and Ben Fisk all receiving playing time this past week with Vancouver Whitecaps FC reserves in MLS Reserve League competition, the young Blue and White side will hope to use their experience to lead Whitecaps FC U-18 to a second consecutive victory.
With noticeable development in many other Whitecaps FC Residency members, including: Alex Rowley, Daniel Stanese, Ben McKendry, and Carolos Marquez, Vancouver’s depth and skill on both sides of the ball continues to be a major factor to the team’s success in their 2011-12 campaign.
Upcoming matches:
Following this weekend’s action, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency U-16 and U-18 will have a couple weeks off before making the journey to California for away fixtures against San Diego Surf U-16 and U-18 at San Diego Polo Club on November 12.
