VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Thursday that the club’s Development Squad will travel to South Korea to play a friendly against ‘Caps midfielder Inbeom Hwang’s former squad, Daejeon Citizen FC on June 8.
“We are looking forward to playing Daejeon Citizen FC, as it will be a good test for our young players,” said Whitecaps FC vice-president of soccer operations, Greg Anderson. “In addition to the match, this trip will provide a great opportunity to build and form new relationships, both on and off the pitch.”
The match, set to take place during FIFA’s international window, will be played at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium, about 160 kilometres south of South Korea’s capital, Seoul. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. KST (2 a.m. PT).
This is the 13th time Daejeon FC have hosted the International Friendly Soccer Match Event – sponsored by South Korea’s local media outlet, Joongdo Ilbo, and the first time they are playing host to a Canadian side.
The friendly provides an opportunity for both clubs to continue to build cultural diversity and form new relationships, both on and off the field, between the two cities.
For tickets to the friendly, visit dcfc.co.kr.
Whitecaps FC Development Squad
The Development Squad is a combination of young Whitecaps FC first team players, Academy graduates and local talent, as well as top prospects currently in the Academy. Led by head coach Nick Dasovic, the group plays various competition from across the globe, including recent matches against AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion’s U-23 sides.
Daejeon Citizen FC
Famously known for being Korea’s first club founded upon the support of their local community, Daejeon Citizen FC made their debut in the K League in 1997. The club currently plays in K League 2, the second highest level of professional soccer in Korea.
On February 2, 2019, Daejeon transferred their homegrown midfielder Inbeom Hwang to Whitecaps FC. Hwang grew up in Daejeon, where he played his entire professional career until his subsequent transfer to the MLS. He joined Daejeon’s U-15 squad as a 13-year-old, before making the move to their first team in 2015, where he became the club’s youngest goalscorer.
