Vancouver Whitecaps FC men claimed a goalless draw with the University of Victoria Vikes on Sunday afternoon.
In the first of three preseason contests ahead of the 2008 season, neither Teitur Thordarson's side nor Bruce Wilson's team were able to find the back of the net during the friendly match that was seen by over 500 spectators at UVic's Centennial Stadium on Vancouver Island.
On an overcast day in the British Columbia provincial capital, Thordarson took advantage of the early March contest to play some of his squad's younger players, though the Icelandic tactician also had some of his more experienced players available as well. Included in the line-up was recent Canadian international cap Adrian Cann, as Thordarson got his first live glimpse of the centre back on Sunday.
Despite creating goalscoring opportunities through new signing Nicholas Addlery early in the game and left fullback Steve Kindel in the second half, the less than favourable pitch conditions at Centennial Stadium saw the visitors struggle to have any real potency with their attack play. At the other end, another new signing in goalkeeper Jay Nolly denied UVic's Kelsey Louie, as he stopped the substitute's free kick effort in the second half.
Though Sunday's game had its challenges, Thordarson felt it was a productive exercise for his side. "I thought it was a very good battle and that we worked very hard," the former Estonia manager told whitecapsfc.com. "UVic were very organized and physical as a team, so it was an interesting game from that viewpoint, and I thought we played particularly well in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Though the conditions were difficult, it was good to see some of the younger players involved in what was a good contest."
The Whitecaps men return to the Lower Mainland to continue their preparations for the new season, with Thordarson's side set to play Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington on March 22 before meeting Trinity Western University Spartans in Langley, BC, on April 2. The Whitecaps open their 2008 USL First Division season when they host Canadian rivals Montreal Impact at Swangard Stadium on April 12.
