Whitecaps FC 2 Visit Seattle Sounders FC 2 in Cascadia Matchup on Thursday
June 9, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 News Release
Hoping to bounce back from their first setback of the season, Whitecaps FC 2 (6W-1L-4D) are looking to regain their form as they travel south to face Seattle Sounders FC 2 (1W-7L-4D) on Thursday evening at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.
Though this is the first meeting of the season for the Cascadia rivals, the match promises to be an entertaining one for fans, with S2 looking to move up the board from last place and the 'Caps aiming to re-establish themselves among the most promising sides in USL.
Leading the WFC2 attack, alongside team captain Kyle Greig, is Toronto native Daniel Haber (pictured on right). The 24-year-old has been an adaptable player for the 'Caps, playing on either wing through the first stretch of matches. He has the second-highest goal tally for the side - three so far - and has been an essential component of the 'Caps attacking line. Not only has he proven capable of putting the ball on net - he has 12 shots on goal in 11 matches, the most of all WFC2 players -- but that he can knock a deadly cross through the six-yard box too. Haber has a knack for coming up huge in rivalry games, recording a brace earlier this year against Timbers 2.
Fullback Kadin Chung could also make an appearance for WFC2 on Thursday, after having a night off during last week's match against Real Monarchs SLC. The 17-year-old Port Coquitlam native has appeared in eight matches for WFC2 to date, and has proven himself a highly capable defender for the side, no matter his age. Making runs down the wing and combining with the likes of Haber and Greig, Chung has been causing trouble for the opposition's defence all season long.
He also notched an assist in back-to-back matches against LA Galaxy II and Tulsa Roughnecks FC, including a beautiful spinning set up through Tulsa's defence to earn USL Team of the Week honours.
Should he make the trip down to Seattle, the energetic fullback has the potential to provide some vibrant, creative play down the line for the 'Caps.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2
Sounders FC 2 have been struggling through their first 12 matches, with just one win so far. Yet, the side is not to be discounted as that win came against current Western Conference leaders Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Their losses so far this season also tend to be very close calls and low scoring affairs, usually just one or two goals between them and their opponent.
S2 have a tendency to hit the ground running and score their goals in the first half, something the 'Caps should be weary of as they come up against strikers Victor Mansaray and Andy Craven.
Mansaray has featured in 11 S2 games, scoring two of their eight goals. The Sierra Leone native joined Sounders FC in 2015, and made three appearances for the first team in his rookie season. He is the youngest player to ever appear for the Seattle side, making his debut last year at the age of 18.
Fellow striker Craven has appeared in eight matches and is coming off a busy game against Orange County Blues FC. The 24-year-old scored both of Seattle's goals in the match. Another first team player, Craven wreaked havoc last season against WFC2, scoring one goal and tallying two assists in their first-ever meeting in March 2015.
Following the trip to the Emerald City, Whitecaps FC 2 return home to face Swope Park Rangers on Sunday, June 12. The afternoon match up also promises some pet-friendly fun, with Bark at the 'Bird allowing fans to bring their dog to the match! Enjoy the match alongside your canine companion, with all proceeds from your pet's ticket going to the BCSPCA. Tickets for the match are still available here.
This year, every Tier 1 'Caps Club MLS membership includes three open tickets to WFC2 matches. Members can select their matches and theme days online through Account Manager. Information on theme days is available at whitecapsfc.com/wfc2/themedays.
For more information, contact wfc2@whitecapsfc.com or call 604-484-7862.
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