Three days after starting a new era as a Major League Soccer club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC begin their MLS Reserve League campaign when they visit their counterparts from San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday morning. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. PT.
The Nutrilite Training Facility in San Jose, California, will be the venue for Vancouver's debut in the Reserve League, with the Blue and White to play a 10-match schedule as a member of the Reserve League's Western Conference. The 'Caps reserves will play the Earthquakes, Chivas USA, Los Angeles Galaxy, Portland Timbers, and Seattle Sounders FC home and away between this Tuesday and Monday, October 3. The 2011 Reserve League season started on Sunday morning, with D.C. United's second string claiming a 3-2 win at home to Columbus Crew reserves.
Whitecaps FC assistant coach Denis Hamlett will take a squad of 15 players to Northern California for the midweek match. Vancouver's squad include former Earthquakes goalkeeper and Bay Area native Joe Cannon, as well as three members of the Whitecaps FC Residency program in goalkeeper Callum Irving, defender La'Vere Corbin-Ong, and striker Doudou Toure.
Three players that made their MLS debuts as second-half substitutes will also travel to San Jose. They are defender/midfielder Wes Knight, winger Nizar Khalfan, and striker Camilo. United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League roster player Bedri Gashi and trialist Kevin Harmse are also included for Tuesday's match. The remainder of the reserve squad includes first-team players that did not take part in Saturday's historical MLS season opener at Empire Field.
Following Tuesday's season opener, Whitecaps FC reserves will play their first-ever Reserve League home match on Sunday, April 17, when they host Chivas USA reserves at 11 a.m. PT.
WHITECAPS FC RESERVES – SQUAD AT SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES – MARCH 22, 2011
GOALKEEPERS - Joe Cannon, Callum Irving
DEFENDERS - Jeb Brovsky, La'Vere Corbin-Ong, Bilal Duckett, Kevin Harmse, Wes Knight
MIDFIELDERS - Philippe Davies, Bedri Gashi, Nizar Khalfan, Alexandre Morfaw, Blake Wagner
STRIKERS - Camilo, Long Tan, Doudou Toure
