After a two week break in their inaugural 2011-12 United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) league season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency’s U-16 and U-18 squads return to the field this Saturday, as they face another pair of tough opponents in Crossfire Premier U-16 and U-18 at Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby, BC. The U-18 match will kick off at 2:00 p.m., PT before the U-16 teams complete the second half of the doubleheader at 4:30p.m., PT. Both matches will be open to the public.
U-16:
Coming off their first-ever USSDA victory over California Development Academy U-15/16 back on September 24, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency U-16 team (1W-1L-0D) will look to use their second home match of the season (first match in Canada) to their advantage and continue a dangerous offensive attack against a winless Crossfire Premier squad (0W-2L-1D) looking to earn a positive road result.
U-16 forward Brody Huitema will be looking to build on his goal scoring display from last game, as he knotted a hat-trick in his second career game with Whitecaps FC Residency. Head coach Richard Grootscholten will look for another strong defensive effort from his players in hopes to control possession to help create offensive opportunities.
U-18:
After opening their 2011-12 USSDA season with a victory followed by a hard fought draw against California Development Academy U-18 two weeks ago, the undefeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency U-18 squad (1W-0L-1D) will also battle a winless Crossfire Premier U-18 side (0W-1L-2D).
With the deadly combination of Caleb Clarke, Bryce Alderson, and Ben Fisk playing alongside numerous other highly talented teammates, the U-18’s will look to continue a two-match unbeaten streak against a Crossfire Premier U-18 side that has only conceded three goals in their first three matches this season. However, the ‘Caps have been equally impressive in their defensive efforts under Grootscholten, having surrendered just three goals of their own to date.
Upcoming matches:
Following this weekend’s matches, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency U-16 and U-18 will play against Real So Cal U-15/16 and U-17/18 on October 22 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.
