Whitecaps FC Prepare for Miami FC Showdown
Published on July 12, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - In the second game of a four-match home stand, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (6W-2L-8D) play host to NASL Conference rivals Miami FC (2W-5L-8D) in the USSF D-2 Pro League on Wednesday evening.
The NASL Conference leaders will be looking for an improved performance after last week's disappointing draw with Athletic Club of St. Louis. Though it was not the best display from Teitur Thordarson's side, the result maintained the Blue and White's undefeated record at Swangard this season and took their unbeaten streak in the league to eight matches. The 'Caps now prepare to host a Blues squad that have gone four straight matches without a win. Both clubs first met this season on April 17, with Vancouver playing to a 0-0 draw with Miami at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Wednesday's match between Whitecaps FC and Miami FC 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
Claiming maximum points during this home stand is top of the priority list for Thordarson and his squad, as the 'Caps aim to strengthen their lead in the NASL Conference. In a bid to achieve those aims, Thordarson has put additional emphasis on Vancouver's attacking game in training this week. The Icelandic coach was not pleased to see his side's dominant display versus St. Louis fail to turn into three points.
Both Whitecaps FC and Miami FC lead USSF D-2 for total number of league draws this season. With some likely expecting another stalemate to occur on Wednesday, the Blue and White will be determined to show more polish in front of the opposition goal. Two players that will want to put in a performance against the Blues are Ansu Toure and Zurab Tsiskaridze. The pair last played for Miami before moving west to join the Whitecaps.
The Whitecaps remain without centre back Mouloud Akloul, who is recovering well from the ankle fracture he suffered back in April.
MIAMI FC
Sitting outside the playoff places in USSF D-2, Victor Pastora's Blues are in need of some consistent form, if they are to avoid another year without making the postseason. Miami's lone trip to the playoffs came back in their inaugural season of 2006 when Vancouver eliminated the Blues in the first round.
For a time, the South Florida outfit looked to be the draw specialists in the league after starting the 2010 campaign with five-straight ties. Yet, it will be Miami's recent form that will concern Pastora, as the Blues have registered three defeats and a draw in their last four league matches. They were also bounced out of this year's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the third round by Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo on June 29.
Miami FC's attack is led by two South American imports. Brazilian midfielder/striker Paulo Araujo Jr. currently sits third in the league for goals (six) and points (14), while Argentina's Christian Gomez is tied for second with three assists. The former D.C. United player is also in the top ten with four goals and 11 points.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Wednesday's match will be the 14th all-time meeting between Whitecaps FC and Miami FC, and the last-ever regular season meeting between both clubs. Since the 2006 season, Vancouver have amassed eight wins, two defeats, and three draws versus the Blues. This includes a home record of three wins, one defeat, and two draws. The most memorable meeting between the 'Caps and Miami FC came during the 2006 United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) playoffs, as the Whitecaps eliminated the Blues 6-1 on aggregate in the first round.
...TIMBERS COME NEXT
The Whitecaps will follow the visit of Miami FC by hosting Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers at Swangard on Thursday, July 22. Kickoff of this USSF D-2 clash is also set for 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets for the July 22 match are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres and online at ticketmaster.ca.
Wednesday's match between Whitecaps FC and Miami FC can be seen live on Shaw TV, Shaw Direct (satellite channel 299), and online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 12, 2010
- Forward Roberto Brown Released - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps FC Prepare for Miami FC Showdown - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Manchester City Releases Roster for Portland Visit - Portland Timbers
- Conference Leaders Held to Draws in Week 14 of the USSF D-2 Pro League - USSF D-2
- Timbers Capture Win Over Mexicos Atlas In Thrilling Shootout - Portland Timbers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
