Vancouver Whitecaps FC women will look to exact a measure of revenge on Friday when they take to the road to play Seattle Sounders FC Women at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT. In their last match on May 27, the 'Caps dropped a 2-0 result to the Sounders at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. Following Friday's match, the Blue and White return to Coquitlam on Wednesday, June 13, to face LA Strikers at 7:30 p.m. PT. The match will be streamed LIVE on http://www.sounderswomen.com.
WHITECAPS FC
The ‘Caps were in Chilliwack last weekend to take on Colorado Rapids Women. The home side took a first-half lead when Marissa Mykines cut through the Rapids defence and was taken down in the box to draw a penalty on 28 minutes. Striker Mele French stepped to the spot and buried the penalty low far post to make it 1-0 ‘Caps. However, Colorado would tie the match in the second half and the 'Caps could not find a second goal as it ended 1-1. Although the team was dissapointed not to get the win, head coach Jesse Symons was pleased with the effort shown by his squad. “We asked the players to push the pace offensively, and I think they responded very well,” noted Symons.
This will mark the ‘Caps second road match of the season, as they travelled to Victoria for their season opener.
SOUNDERS FC
The Sounders are off to a great start this season, winning each of their four W-League matches while registering eight goals for and conceding only once. Seattle currently sit in second place in the Western Conference with 12 points, sitting behind only Pali Blues who have played one more game.
Seattle are a dangerous team that pose many threats from anywhere on the pitch. Although they'll be missing their United States women's national team players, they are still a quality side. Two players to keep an eye on are Kara Kuttler and Victoria Frederick. Kara Kuttler rejoined the Sounders Women after graduating from Seattle University (SU). The 5-foot-10 forward is ninth all-time in goals scored for SU. Frederick, meanwhile, returns to the Sounders Women after playing during the 2010 season. The Alabama graduate is one of the fastest players in the W-League this season. In her final season at Alabama, Frederick tied for the team lead with 14 points and started every one of the Crimson Tides’ 18 matches. She is a dynamic and versatile player who can be a difference maker for her team.
“They're a dangerous team,” said Whitecaps FC defender Danielle Johnson (pictured). “This will be a great challenge for our squad to see where we measure up.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the 40th meeting between Vancouver and Seattle, who are each celebrating their 12th season of competition. The 'Caps lead the all-time series 24W-7L-8D, and are 11W-3L-4D playing Seattle on the road.
For schedule and ticket information on the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series presented by Kia, visit whitecapsfc.com.
