VANCOUVER, BC – Back-to-school week at UBC rounds out with USL action on Sunday when Whitecaps FC 2 (8W-13L-5D) host Orange County Blues FC (14W-9L-3D) at Thunderbird Stadium. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. and tickets are available here or at the door.
With the season winding down to its last two weeks of regular season action, here are the themes for this weekend's fixture. As always, fans can also enjoy bubble soccer, food trucks, and live music on what's expected to be another fun day in the sun.
FINAL EXAM
This is when players make their closing statement for the year.
All summer, we've been witnesses to explosive attacking play from the likes of Marco Bustos and Caleb Clarke, who are tied for team-lead with seven goals each. Victor Blasco is steadily making a name for himself by creating chances for his teammates, collecting six assists, most in the team. Veterans Billy Schuler and Tyler Rosenlund have been equally impressive with their steady presence in the attack.
In the back, Sahil Sandhu, Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti and Will Seymore have gradually become a formidable backline.
It will be interesting to see if the standouts can keep their feet on the pedal and leave a lasting impression on the technical staff, who are closely tracking the development of each player.
THE FRESHMEN
Speaking of development, it's always fun to see players come of age and the Thunderbird pitch has seen 13 different players make their professional debuts this season alone.
Last week, 17-year old Residency graduate Thomas Gardner donned the WFC2 jersey for the first time. This week, Port Coquitlam's Kadin Chungmay get his first USL appearance as he is back from international duty with the Canadian U-20 national team.
WORLD STUDIES
The Whitecaps FC 2 backline saw two midseason acquisitions who come from international backgrounds.
Seymore, who has seen time both as centre back and holding midfielder, was born in Soham, England before moving to the US and starring for the Oregon State University Beavers in the NCAA. He's made a seamless transition into the club and has now started the last seven matches.
New Zealander Deklan Wynne (right) joined the club four weeks ago and has now made three straight appearances in the WFC2 back four. Wynne, who has three senior international caps under his belt with the All Whites, may be called upon to help contain Blues FC, whose 314 shots rank sixth-highest in the USL.
Orange County feature Christofer Ramirez (seven goals), Christopher Cortez (five goals) and Christopher Santana (five assists) lead the Orange County attack.
After Sunday, Whitecaps FC 2 host Fan Appreciation Day at Thunderbird Stadium when they face Austin Aztex for the season finale. There aren't many tickets left so make sure to get your tickets here!
Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL arrives in Vancouver. WFC2 matches are a unique and affordable experience for fans, families, students, and supporters. For more information on all WFC2 ticket options, call 604-484-7862 or e-mail wfc2@whitecapsfc.com.
