Whitecaps FC Host RailHawks on Wednesday Night
June 8, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Looking to extend their home winning streak to three matches, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4W-2L-3D) host NASL Conference rivals Carolina RailHawks (3W-2L-3D) in the USSF D-2 Pro League on Wednesday evening.
Coming three days after a 1-0 win over newly formed FC Tampa Bay, Whitecaps FC welcome the RailHawks to Swangard Stadium for the final time in club history. With only three points separating both clubs at the top of the NASL Conference standings, head coach Teitur Thordarson will want to claim another result before his squad head out on an extended road trip this weekend.
Wednesday's match between the Whitecaps and Carolina RailHawks at Swangard kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT. Whitecaps individual match tickets start at $20, plus applicable service charges, and are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, online at ticketmaster.ca, and by phone at 604.280.4400 or 1.800.663.9311. Visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets for more information on Whitecaps individual match tickets.
WHITECAPS FC
Though they rode their luck at times on Sunday, victory over the Rowdies was a boost of confidence for Thordarson's side following a difficult three-match road trip. With first place in the NASL Conference up for grabs, the Whitecaps will look to draw inspiration from last season's memorable two-match United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) playoff series, as seventh-seeded Vancouver ousted second-seeded Carolina 1-0 on aggregate last September. Randy Edwini-Bonsu's first-leg goal at Swangard proved the difference between the two sides, with Jay Nolly making a vital penalty save in the second leg in Carolina.
With Simon Thomas (concussion) joining Dan Pelc (gluteus maximus) on Vancouver's injury list, Thordarson has drafted in local goalkeeper Andip Singh to back up Nolly on Wednesday night. The Surrey, BC, native, who recently played in the Vancouver Metro Soccer League Premier Division with ICST Pegasus FC, appeared in last Thursday's Whitecaps Residency home defeat to Yakima Reds in the USL Premier Development League. The Whitecaps will also be without winger Nizar Khalfan following his appearance for his native Tanzania during Monday's international friendly defeat to Brazil in the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam. Long-term casualty Mouloud Akloul remains sidelined with an ankle fracture.
The Whitecaps, however, will have centre back Greg Janicki (ankle) available to face Carolina, while defender/midfielder Blake Wagner has made good progress in overcoming a foot strain problem.
RAILHAWKS
Despite nearing the end of a challenging four-match match road trip, the RailHawks have come through their travels with flying colours. Victories over Puerto Rico Islanders in the Caribbean and Montreal Impact in Quebec were followed by an equally impressive 1-1 draw at Portland Timbers last Sunday night. As a result, Carolina arrive in Vancouver with an undefeated road record of 2W-0L-3D.
Scottish coach Martin Rennie has assembled an experienced squad this season, with over half of his side returning from last year's team that claimed a second-place finish in the USL-1 standings. Among the 15 returning players are the club's Most Valuable Player in Daniel Paladini, captain Mark Schulte, and speedy striker Gregory Richardson. Rennie has also boosted his squad with some important additions for 2010. Centre back Matt Bobo arrives from Charleston Battery, while Nicolas Platter (Minnesota Thunder) replaces the departed Caleb Patterson-Sewell in Carolina's goalkeeping department. The new additions also include Malta international striker Etienne Barbara, who has four goals this season, and midfielders Floyd Franks (Danish Second Division) and Jun Marques Davidson (Japanese J.League).
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Wednesday's match is the 11th all-time meeting between the Whitecaps and RailHawks, dating back to Carolina's first season of existence in 2007. Vancouver currently holds the advantage with three wins, two defeats, and five draws. This includes a favourable home record of two wins, one defeat, and two draws against the North Carolina-based outfit. In fact, the Whitecaps are unbeaten in their last four matches against the RailHawks (1W-0L-3D). Vancouver's final regular season meeting with Carolina takes place on Saturday, July 31, when they visit WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
FIVE ON THE ROAD
Wednesday's game is the Whitecaps final home match for the month of June, with Thordarson's side set to head out on an extended five-match road trip. Over the next three weeks, the 'Caps will visit Texas, the Caribbean, Missouri, Quebec, and Oregon before returning home early next month. The road trip begins this Saturday night, as Vancouver pay a visit to top USSF D-2 club Austin Aztex in the Texas state capital. Kickoff from Austin's House Park is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and can be seen live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
Wednesday's match between Whitecaps FC and Carolina RailHawks is live on Shaw TV, Shaw Direct (satellite channel 299), and whitecapsfc.com/live.
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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 8, 2010
- Whitecaps FC Host RailHawks on Wednesday Night - Vancouver Whitecaps
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- Rawlins Hails Impact of Veterans - Austin Aztex
- Timbers Face Austin, Miami on Two-Game Road Trip - Portland Timbers
- RailHawks Finish Road Trip in Vancouver - North Carolina FC
- Impact Faces Minnesota Stars Wednesday - Montreal Impact
- Aztex Look to Shut Down League's Leading Scorer - Austin Aztex
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