Still early in the W-League season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC women seek their first win as they take on the newly-rebranded Colorado Rapids Women on Friday night at Exhibition Stadium in Chilliwack – hosted by Chilliwack FC. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT.
WHITECAPS FC
Last Sunday the ‘Caps played cross-border rivals Seattle Sounders FC Women in Coquitlam, dropping a difficult 2-0 decision. The game was fast paced as the rival clubs traded great scoring chances in the first half. The ‘Caps best chance in the game came off a Mele French corner which found the head of central midfielder Mary Kate McLaughlin, but the Iowa product’s header sailed just over the bar. A positive from the match was the play of South Surrey product Jenna Richardson, who generated six shots and drove most of the ‘Caps offensive chances.
The Blue and White will look to draw on their success from when they played the Canadian women’s national team to a 1-1 result in a friendly match. The ‘Caps now look to carry that momentum forward and try to capture their first points of the season in W-League play.
“Training has been positive and upbeat all week,” said Jesse Symons, Whitecaps FC women’s head coach. “We need to keep building on the positives and the points will come.”
'Caps midfielder Taylor Patterson will be facing her former club, as the spent the 2010 W-League season with Colorado Force.
COLORADO RAPIDS WOMEN
Having entered into a partnership with their Major League Soccer (MLS) namesake, Colorado Rapids Women came out firing on all cylinders in their season opener at home last week as they took on Victoria Highlanders FC and beat them 3-0 on the strength of goals by Ode Fulutudilu, Amanda McMullen and Erin Gunther. The Rapids now make their first road trip of the season and will look to build on their initial success.
Head coach Daniel Clitnovici brings an experienced group up north with a couple specific players to keep an eye on. Australian national team player Brooke Spence is no stranger to success, having won the Australian W-League title with Brisbane Roar in 2010/2011. Spence has earned 19 caps with the Aussies and will bring a wealth of experience to the Rapids squad. Midfielder Katrine Korsgaard will also prove to be a challenge for the ‘Caps to keep in check. Korsgaard has captained both the U-19 and U-23 Danish national teams, including the 2007 U-19 squad at the European Championships in Iceland. In total, Korsgaard has earned 46 caps for Denmark from the youth to senior ranks. Joining her on the team is fellow Dane Camilla Kur-Larsen, who has scored more than 60 goals for Brondby IF in the Danish Super League.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time, Whitecaps FC are 17W-1L-4D against this Colorado Rapids Women (formerly known as Colorado Force) and are undefeated at home at 9W-0L-2D. Last season, Whitecaps FC defeated the Force 2-0 in Colorado, as then-rookie striker Jenna Richardson scored twice on her W-League debut. The ‘Caps then played Colorado in their regular season finale, with the match ending in a 3-3 draw.
Next up for the Blue and White is a trip across the border to Starfire Sports Complex for a rematch against Seattle Sounders FC Women. After that, the ‘Caps return to Coquitlam on Wednesday, June 13 as they host LA Strikers. For schedule and ticket information, visit whitecapsfc.com or call Hugh Hamilton at 778-330-1360.
