Vancouver Whitecaps FC have clinched a United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) playoff berth and enter the final weekend of regular season play in second place in the standings.
To honour this accomplishment, as well as the Whitecaps efforts in promoting active living, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan, along with the members of Vancouver City Council, have declared that today - Thursday, September 18, 2008 - will be ‘Vancouver Whitecaps FC Day’ in Vancouver.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi, as well as members from the men’s team, were on hand to accept the honours at City Hall this afternoon.
Reading in part, “...Whereas Vancouver Whitecaps FC have clinched a playoff berth for the 12th consecutive year and are entering the final regular season weekend of USL First Division action in second place with a record of 14 wins, seven losses and eight draws.”
“We are very honoured to be recognized by Mayor Sam Sullivan, members of City Council and the citizens of Vancouver,” said Lenarduzzi. “This has been a tremendous season both on and off the field and we look forward to bringing the USL-1 championship back to Vancouver and British Columbia.”
The Whitecaps play their final regular season match this Saturday, September 20 in Tukwila, Washington at Starfire Sports Stadium against Seattle Sounders. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen live or on-demand at USLlive.com. The USL First Division playoffs will begin the following week on Friday, September 26.
The Whitecaps can finish no worse than second place but will not know their opponent until this weekend’s matches are completed. The last two Whitecaps matches were sold out, and as a result, fans are advised to purchase their playoff tickets in advance. For information on Whitecaps playoff tickets, call the Whitecaps office at 604.669.WAVE (9283).
