USL United Soccer League Championship

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 Set for 2015 USL PRO Debut

November 21, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - USL PRO announced its 12th new addition for the 2015 season today, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) becoming the seventh MLS-owned franchise in the rapidly expanding league. WFC2 will operate under the management of Whitecaps FC and will play all home matches on David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of the University of British Columbia.

In partnership with UBC and the Government of British Columbia, the club also revealed preliminary renderings for a new training facility on the UBC campus for the Whitecaps FC MLS, USL PRO and youth squads. The head coach for WFC2 will be announced at a later date.

"We are thrilled to welcome WFC2 into USL PRO and continue our long-term association with Whitecaps FC," USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. "During the past decade the club has blazed the pathway for the development of professional players in British Columbia and across Canada, and it is no surprise for them to remain on the leading edge through the launch of their USL PRO team. Considering the quality of the ownership and the experienced leadership, WFC2 are certain to provide an entertaining soccer product for fans during their inaugural USL PRO season and beyond."

A two-time USL First Division champion prior to joining MLS, Whitecaps FC is one of the standout franchises in USL history. The club failed to reach the playoffs only twice in its 17 seasons in the league, including 13 consecutive appearances between 1997 and 2009. The side was home to a pair of MVPs in Joey Gjertsen and Jason Jordan, while Bob Lenarduzzi was elected to the USL Hall of Fame in 2004.

"Today marks another important milestone for our club," said Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC President. "We're thrilled to be launching Whitecaps FC 2 for the 2015 USL PRO season. This will provide a bridge for our young players to play consistently in a competitive professional environment, as well as create a long-term platform to develop Canadian talent."

The club also announced the WFC2 Starting 11, recognizing the first 1,100 season ticket holders of the inaugural WFC2 season with exclusive voting rights, contest entries and ticket privileges.

Whitecaps FC is the seventh MLS club to officially field a team in USL PRO, joining Cascadia rivals the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC, as well as the LA Galaxy, the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC, and Real Salt Lake. Other new clubs for 2015 have been announced in Austin, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Louisville, St. Louis and Tulsa.

For more information and news about WFC2, visit the official website at whitecapsfc2.com.

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