Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that they will host MLS Cup holders Colorado Rapids in their final training match of the 2011 preseason at Empire Field on Saturday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m. PT. This is an invitation-only match and will be closed to the public.
The March 12 contest will be the final tune-up contest for Teitur Thordarson’s men before their Major League Soccer debut against Canadian arch-rivals Toronto FC at Empire Field on Saturday, March 19.
"I’m very much looking forward to it," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "It will be our final preparation match for the season, and by then, we hope to have sorted out the players who will be starting and have them on the field for this match. The opponent is also very exciting, as Colorado won the MLS Cup last season, so they will be a good test before we play Toronto FC."
The Rapids enter the 2011 season as defending MLS Cup champions. The dynamic striking tandem of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings led Colorado in 2010, as the duo combined for 27 goals and nine assists in helping the Rapids to their first league trophy.
Whitecaps FC and Colorado will meet twice during the MLS regular season. Vancouver will play the Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, on Saturday, July 9, before the 'Caps host the Rapids in their regular season finale at BC Place on Saturday, October 22.
Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer 2011 season tickets start at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order, and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com. Information on single match tickets will be available next week.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Whitecaps FC will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver in early October.
