March is always a big time for Vancouver Whitecaps FC as the MLS season begins, and April is also fun with North American soccer fans all getting into the swing of their teams’ schedules. But May is when things really pick up. This month, there are many exciting games and initiatives to look forward to.
‘Caps Canadians get their shot
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<b>Whitecaps FC Residency showcase talents in 2013</b> |
Last week the club celebrated the past and showcased the present, and this week we’re taking a glimpse into the future.
On Wednesday, the ‘Caps deployed a lineup featuring several young Canadians in a valiant battle against a very strong Toronto FC lineup in a quest to capture the club’s first Voyageurs Cup.
17-year-old goalkeeper Marco Carducci got the start in net, while 20-year-old Bryce Alderson started in midfield, with 18-year-old Residency players Marco Bustos and Kianz Froese also starting. With an away goal in the 2-1 defeat, the 'Caps are now in prime position heading home next Wednesday, May 14 at BC Place. Get your tickets today to see the Blue and White challenge Jermain Defoe and Toronto FC.
Cascadia rivalries throughout the club
On May 24, Whitecaps FC host Seattle Sounders FC at BC Place presented by Sport Chek. This will be the first match for the 'Caps defending the club’s 2013 Cascadia Cup title. Tickets are already selling fast, so if you want to attend the time is now to secure your seats for one of the must-see matches of the year. Seattle are currently flying high with American national team hero Clint Dempsey leading MLS with eight goals in only seven games. But the ‘Caps had the last laugh in their most recent meeting, a 4-1 victory in Seattle last October thanks to a hat-trick from Kekuta Manneh.
That’s not the only place where the Cascadia rivalry lives. This Saturday, Whitecaps FC Residency teams travel south to face their U-18 and U-16 counterparts from Seattle Sounders FC. Both ‘Caps teams are closing in on USSDA playoff spots. Both sides will be looking for redemption from earlier defeats to Seattle this season, and with triumphs over Portland Timbers already in hand, they’ll look to carry forward the Cascadia glory for the club.
Afterwards comes a match between Whitecaps FC Girls Elite and Seattle Sounders Women next Friday, May 16 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. This will be the second straight year that the long-time rival clubs face off in this format following last year’s 0-0 draw (watch highlights).
Whitecaps FC U-23 get their own taste of Cascadia action, starting on Thursday, May 15 when they travel to Providence Park to take on Portland Timbers U-23s, then continuing the tri-valry on the road versus Sounders FC U23 on Friday, May 30 – two days before the ‘Caps MLS squad start the month of June with a road match in Portland.
Who has the best overall club in Cascadia right now? It’s time to settle that on the field.
#MOMination
No matter what age level you look at, you’ll find that ‘Caps players owe a big thanks to the support of important people in their lives. Chief among them …Mom!
To honour moms everywhere, Whitecaps FC have started a #MOMination contest this week. The winning mom will receive a full head-to-toe makeover with the help of two-time American Idol finalist and fiancée of Whitecaps FC defender Jordan Harvey, the multi-talented talented Kim Caldwell. She will also be presented with a gift bag from Kim's favorite hair care line, Thermafuse, and a one-of-a-kind handmade leather handbag from Stage Presents. The winner will also receive a night stay at Hyatt Regency Vancouver and two tickets to an upcoming Whitecaps FC match. Enter online now at whitecapsfc.com/mominate.
Purolator Tackle Hunger
This month Whitecaps FC have also teamed up with Purolator to Tackle Hunger. At Saturday's Viewing Party at the Charles Bar, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be enouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food to donate. Additionally, each group that raises a miniumum of 200 pounds of food will get 10 signed Whitecaps FC banners.
And at the May 24 home match against Seattle, presented by Sport Chek, Purolator will also be collecting donations on 'Caps Kickoff. The first 400 fans to make a donation will receive a Whitecaps FC player-autographed banner. Just prior to May, 'Caps players Paolo Tornaghi and Erik Hurtado joined staff at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank to cull carrots and repack peanuts and lentils.
So join the 'Caps this month to Tackle Hunger!
