USL playoffs start tonight
September 16, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
This Sunday the Vancouver Whitecaps will host the Richmond Kickers in the final match of the two game total goals series at Swangard Stadium. Kick off is scheduled for 7pm.
However, before Sunday's tilt the Whitecaps will first look to take care of business on the road, as they take on the Kickers in Richmond, Virginia tonight at 4pm. Listen live on TEAM 1040 as Peter Schaad and Alan Errington bring you all the playoff action.
The Kickers, who are consistently one of the league's top teams, have struggled in the second half of this season. They were leading the league in mid-July, but haven't won a game since, and as a result have fallen to sixth place. Goal scoring has been their biggest problem. Englishman Matthew Delicate is their leading scorer, but hasn't found the net since May!
Other key Kickers to watch include forward Dustin Swinehart, who is on loan from the Charlotte Eagles (USL2) and defender Peter Luzak. Swinehart joined the line-up after winning the USL Second Division Championship with the Eagles. Finishing second in scoring with Charlotte (11g, 5a, 27 pts), Swinehart was recently named to the 2005 USL Second Division All-League First Team and has made five appearances with the Kickers this season, tallying one assist. On the backline the Vancouver forwards will be in tough against Luzak, who was recently named to the USL First Division All-League Second Team. A 2004 Defender of the Year finalist, Luzak has had another solid year starting and playing every minute of all but one game this season, tallying one goal and one assist.
Head-to-Head History
Vancouver holds a 2-1-0 all-time record versus the Kickers. The last time these two teams met was in Vancouver on August 14th, where they battled to a 1-1 draw. The other meeting this season was a 2-0 road win for the Caps on August 7th. The Whitecaps finished the regular season in third place with a 12-7-9 record compared to the Kickers who finished in sixth going 10-9-9.
Sunday's Game
Less than 1,500 tickets remain for Sunday's match. Reserve your seats today by calling Ticketmaster at 604-280-4400.
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USL First Division Stories from September 16, 2005
- Seattle jumps to one-goal advantage in playoff series with Timbers - Portland Timbers
- Kickers Draw In First Playoff Match - Richmond Kickers
- USL playoffs start tonight - Vancouver Whitecaps
- First round playoff game live on Fox Soccer Channel - USL-1
- USL names Darren Caskey to 2005 All-League second team - Virginia Beach Mariners
- Charleston Oktoberfest 2005 - Charleston Battery
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