Still chasing top spot in the United Soccer Leagues W-League Western Conference, Vancouver Whitecaps FC women head off for two games in the state of Colorado. On Friday, they are in Loveland to face Colorado Force before taking on Colorado Rush in the Denver suburb of Highlands Ranch two days later.
WHITECAPS FC
Head coach Hubert Busby Jr. has plenty of options for the trip. Tiffany Weimer leads the W-League in goals with seven. Opposing defenders must also be wary of the blinding pace of such players as Sydney Leroux, Jen Stoltenberg, and Alysha Bonnick. Stoltenberg alone has drawn three penalties this season from defenders unable to contain her through legitimate means.
In the centre of the 'Caps defence, Canadian internationals Lexi Marton and Shannon Woeller have been solid. In goal, both Kristen Funk and Jaclyn Dunnett have demonstrated their qualities, as expected starter Erin McNulty is still recovering from a preseason knee injury.
Whitecaps FC sit second in the Western Conference with a record of 5W-1L-1D, three points back of Santa Clarita Blue Heat (6W-0L-1D) and just a point up on Pali Blues (4W-0L-3D). Any points dropped at this stage by Vancouver would seriously hinder the team's chances of taking top spot, and could even put the 'Caps in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.
FORCE
Formerly Fort Collins Force, but now playing in the adjoining city of Loveland, Colorado, the Centennial State's more established W-League side have played only four matches this season. They sit with a record of 1W-2L-1D, with all their games so far played at home. The Force will make up for this early relaxed pace during a hectic July, playing six matches in just over two weeks. Coach Tracy Chao, a former Force player, will want to take maximum points this weekend, as her team hosts Vancouver on Friday, then Seattle Sounders women on Sunday.
The key players for the Force are all in midfield. Returning starters Lisa Forbes and Alex Cousins are joined by Kristin DeDycker, a former University of Denver star who previously played for Washington Freedom in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). Another former WPS player signed this season is Colombian international forward Daniela Molina, but she has yet to make her debut with the team.
All-time, Whitecaps FC are 16W-1L-3D against the Force, and 7W-1L-2D on the road. Last season, this away fixture finished a scoreless draw after the 'Caps beat the Force 2-1 in Coquitlam, BC.
RUSH
Colorado Rush got off to a great start and are challenging for a playoff spot. They've hit a few bumps along the way though, including a 3-0 loss to Whitecaps FC in a game played May 27 in Chilliwack, BC. Currently their record is 4W-3L-0D, but that will change before Sunday's clash, as the Rush host Seattle on Friday.
United States U-17 star Lindsey Horan leads Colorado in scoring with three goals. Midfielder Ameera Abdullah is another dangerous player who has caused Vancouver problems in the past. The Rush can also call upon experienced W-League attacker Christie Ehrhardt, who played last season for rivals Colorado Force, as well as prolific University of Portland striker Danielle Foxhoven. On defence, the Rush are led by the Farrell twins, Kerstyn and Kellyn.
A connection between the two teams is Chinese Taipei international attacker Tseng Shu-O, who last season played for Colorado Rush, and now wears Vancouver's colours.
Whitecaps FC have an all-time record of 1W-0L-2D against the Rush, who joined the W-League last season as an expansion side. Against teams from Denver, Vancouver are 15W-1L-5D all-time and 5W-1L-4D in the Mile High City.
WEIMER NAMED TO W-LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK
United Soccer Leagues announced on Wednesday that Whitecaps FC striker Tiffany Weimer has been named to the W-League Team of the Week. Weimer scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against LA Strikers at Surrey's Newton Athletic Park last Friday. She currently leads the W-League with seven goals and is second in points with 14.
Whitecaps FC's next home match is Friday, June 24, against Pali Blues at Surrey's Newton Athletic Park at 7:30 p.m. PT. The match is part of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series presented by Kia - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League, and is being hosted by Surrey FC Pegasus. Tickets for all home games are available online for just $12 at www.whitecapsfc.com/wtickets.
