Whitecaps - Victory Match Preview
April 26, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
Less than 600 tickets remain for the Whitecaps game this Saturday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. against the expansion California Victory.
Fresh off a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders in the season opener, the Whitecaps will be looking for the full three points before embarking on a four game road trip through Rochester, Minnesota, Seattle and California. Their home opener was a tight battle against nearby rival Seattle, until Eddie Sebrango chested a ball over the line on a cross from Alfredo Valente in the 55th minute. Sebrango joined teammate Martin Nash for USL Team of the Week honours, while newcomers Narcisse Tchoumi, Joel Bailey, Jason McLaughlin and Graham Smith saw their first regular season action and played solid throughout.
The California Victory have the unenviable task of beginning their inaugural USL-1 season against the defending USL-1 Champions. They did post a respectable 7-2-1 preseason record, having outscored its opponents 22-14, but this will be the first USL opponent they have faced, preseason or otherwise. The team has been busy finalizing its roster while focusing the week's practices on tightening up its defense, said Van Straatum.
"I expect the team to deal with any situation that comes its way," said Victory head coach Glenn Van Straatum of this Saturday's game. "As a new franchise and a relatively young team, we have a lot to learn about the league, our opponents and the game routine."
In honour of Whitecaps legend Alan Ball, who passed away earlier this week, the game will be preceded by a moment of silence. Alan Ball was an influential member of England's World Cup winning side in 1966 and an influential part of the 1979 Soccer Bowl championship winning Vancouver Whitecaps squad.
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