Sunderland to play in English Premiership next season
April 25, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Vancouver Whitecaps are pleased to announce that Sunderland, the Whitecaps opponent for the July 16 exhibition match at Swangard Stadium, secured promotion into the English Premiership on Saturday by defeating Leicester 2-1.
"We are very excited to be playing a team in the English Premiership," said Bob Lenarduzzi, Director of Soccer Operations. "Next year they will be playing the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal and we anticipate that they will be signing some additional talent to insure that they remain in the Premiership."
The Black Cats, who last played in the Premiership in the 2002-2003 season, have only two games remaining and are now five points clear of Wigan and seven points clear of Ipswich. Sunderland needs just two points to be crowned the champions of the English Championship League. The top two clubs qualify for a place in Premiership for the subsequent season, while teams three to six go into a playoff to determine the last spot.
Founded in 1879, Sunderland is one of England's most supported franchises. Their incredible history includes eight English First Division Championships and two FA Cups.
Following Sunderland's match in Vancouver, the Black Cats head south to Seattle to play the Seattle Sounders on July 20 at Qwest Field. The final leg of the tour will see the English side take on the Portland Timbers on July 23 at PGE Park.
The best way to guarantee a seat for the July 16 friendly versus Sunderland is with the purchase of a Whitecaps 5-game Pack. Prices start at just $45! To reserve a seat, call 604.669.WAVE (9283) or visit whitecapsfc.com.
The Whitecaps kicked off their season yesterday in front of a sold-out crowd of 5,722 at Swangard Stadium. The Whitecaps next home game is Saturday, April 30 versus the three-time league champions the Rochester Raging Rhinos. For tickets starting at just $14, call 604.280.4400.
USL First Division Stories from April 25, 2005
- Sunderland to play in English Premiership next season - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Thunder single game tickets go on sale Tuesday - Minnesota Thunder
- Rhinos To Battle MetroStars - Rochester Rhinos
- Battery notes - Charleston Battery
- Silverbacks win 2-1 in Charleston - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Battery to attempt Guinness World Record on Friday - Charleston Battery
- Lynx Tie Whitecaps in Canadian Derby - Toronto Lynx
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