Whitecaps FC Return to Swangard Stadium This Thursday
July 6, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Following a productive five-match road spell, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (6W-2L-7D) return home to face NASL Conference rivals Athletic Club of St. Louis (2W-8L-2D) in the USSF D-2 Pro League on Thursday evening.
In what will be Vancouver's first match at Swangard Stadium for nearly a month, the NASL Conference leaders will be looking to build on their undefeated away run, as the Blue and White recorded two wins and three draws during their three-week spell away from Vancouver. They host a St. Louis side that have struggled in their inaugural season as a North American second division club. The Missouri-based outfit are currently bottom of the NASL Conference standings and the overall table in USSF D-2.
Thursday's match between Whitecaps FC and AC St. Louis 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. CLICK HERE for more information on Whitecaps individual match tickets.
WHITECAPS FC
Teitur Thordarson and his squad are pleased to be back in familiar surroundings this week, even though they took plenty away from their recent travels. Having reached the midway point of the season, the 'Caps remain the toughest side to break down defensively in the league. In fact, Vancouver are the only club in USSF D-2 to have not conceded 10 or more goals this season (eight goals against).
A big reason for their success at the back has been the superb goalkeeping displays of Jay Nolly. The Whitecaps number one can take a large amount of credit for earning his side four points from last week's visits to arch-rivals Montreal Impact and Portland Timbers. The shot-stopping reflexes of the former Real Salt Lake and D.C. United man were well in tune, as Nolly withstood Montreal's first-half onslaught last Wednesday and Portland's strikes on target over the weekend.
The Whitecaps are without their newest signing Alex Elliott, as he is still waiting for his international transfer certificate. Centre back Mouloud Akloul (ankle fracture) remains on the sidelines, while striker Marlon James (calf) is listed as day-to-day.
AC ST. LOUIS
Since taking charge late last month, St. Louis head coach Dale Schilly is still searching for his first win. Following a home draw with the Whitecaps, St. Louis were knocked out of this year's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the third round by Major League Soccer (MLS) giants Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday before falling 2-0 at home to Carolina RailHawks on Saturday.
Schilly has his work cut out for him, as St. Louis have struggled to come to terms with USSF D-2 soccer since forming as a new professional club this year. They are among the leaders in the league for most goals allowed and fewest goals scored. They also face the remainder of the season without experienced midfielder Steve Ralston, who left his hometown club and returned to MLS side New England Revolution about a month ago.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Thursday's match is the third all-time meeting between the Whitecaps and AC St. Louis, with Vancouver winning the inaugural clash back on April 24 before earning a 0-0 draw in Missouri on June 26. Both clubs will face each other for the final time this regular season on Friday, August 6, in St. Louis. Prior to 2010, the Whitecaps last faced opposition from St. Louis in the old North American Soccer League (NASL). Between 1974 and 1977, Vancouver recorded four wins and two defeats versus St. Louis Stars in the NASL. Before this year, you have to go back to the 1976 NASL season to find the last time the Whitecaps hosted a team from St. Louis in a competitive game. That match took place nearly 34 years ago on April 30, 1976, as the 'Caps defeated the Stars 2-1 in overtime at the old Empire Stadium.
...THEN COME THE BLUES
Whitecaps FC will follow the visit of AC St. Louis by hosting NASL Conference rivals Miami FC at Swangard on Wednesday, July 14. Kickoff of this USSF D-2 clash is also set for 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets for the July 14 match are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres and online at ticketmaster.ca.
Thursday's match between Whitecaps FC and AC St. Louis 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 6, 2010
- Whitecaps FC Return to Swangard Stadium This Thursday - Vancouver Whitecaps
- USSF D-2 Pro League Passes Halfway Mark of 2010 Season in Week 13 - USSF D-2
- Rhinos To Host First Place Austin At Marina Auto Stadium - Rochester Rhinos
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.
