Whitecaps FC Seek Victory In Montreal
May 25, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Needing a victory to stay in the hunt for the Voyageurs Cup, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (0W-0L-2D) visit fellow USSF D-2 Pro League club Montreal Impact (0W-2L-1D) in their third match of the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship on Wednesday evening.
After completing a five-match home stand over the weekend, Teitur Thordarson's side embark on an important three-game road trip, with the Blue and White needing all three points from their midweek clash with the Impact in order to close the gap on Voyageurs Cup leaders Toronto FC. The 'Caps are looking to emulate their 2009 Canadian Championship win at Stade Saputo, with the 2-0 victory being the only victory that Vancouver have recorded in seven visits to Montreal's soccer-specific stadium since the 2008 season.
Wednesday's Nutrilite Canadian Championship clash between the Whitecaps and Montreal Impact from Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec, kicks off at 5 p.m. PT. Whitecaps fans can watch this crucial encounter through live streaming on sportsnet.ca or on Rogers Sportsnet East and Rogers Sportsnet West.
NUTRILITE CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
With two matches remaining in the three-club competition, matters remain in the Whitecaps hands to overcome Toronto FC's commanding position of seven points from their opening three tournament matches. Last week's frustrating home draw with TFC leaves Vancouver with a clear target of two wins from their upcoming Nutrilite away contests. A victory in Montreal this week would put the 'Caps two points behind The Reds in the Canadian Championship standings, with the tournament finale at Toronto FC's BMO Field on Wednesday, June 2, ultimately deciding this year's Voyageurs Cup title.
However, anything less than a Whitecaps win in Quebec will see TFC confirmed as Canadian champions for a second straight year, with the Major League Soccer club moving on to be Canada's representative in the 2010-11 edition of CONCACAF Champions League. Whether it is TFC or the Whitecaps as the 2010 Voyageurs Cup winner, either club face a very challenging two-match, aggregate-goal series with Honduras' Club Deportivo Motagua in the Champions League Preliminary Round. The first leg is set for the home of the Canadian champions during the week of July 27 to 29, while the second leg will take place in Honduras in the first week of August.
WHITECAPS FC
Saturday's league match with Rochester Rhinos was an opportunity for Thordarson's side to gain some much-needed confidence before travelling east this week. Whitecaps fans were encouraged to see their side score a couple of goals in the weekend win over the Rhinos and witness considerable improvement in Vancouver's performances during their recent Swangard home stand.
With Wednesday being the third match between Vancouver and Montreal this month, Whitecaps captain Martin Nash underlined the significance of this latest showdown with the Impact. "It's a huge game, as we need to win it, and I think we're capable of it," he said after the Rochester victory. "We've just got to play to the best of our ability. If we do that, we'll create chances."
The Whitecaps are still without defender/midfielder Blake Wagner, who remains sidelined with a strain in his foot, and long-term casualty Mouloud Akloul, who continues his recovery from a fractured ankle. Goalkeeper Dan Pelc also remains sidelined with a gluteus maximus injury. Youngster Ethan Gage, meanwhile, has just completed a 12-day camp in the Netherlands with the Canadian U-20 national team.
IMPACT
With their Canadian Championship hopes already at an end, the Impact will want to finish this year's tournament on a high note. Marc Dos Santos' side come into Wednesday's match in good spirits after claiming a very creditable 1-0 away victory over Portland Timbers in USSF D-2 action last week. They followed that with an equally creditable 1-1 friendly draw versus Italian Serie A club Fiorentina at Stade Saputo on Sunday.
The Impact will also feel confident of getting a result versus the Whitecaps, if recent results against Vancouver are anything to go by. Heading into this midweek match-up, Montreal have not lost in their last seven meetings with their Western Canadian foes (5W-0L-2D), dating back to last season.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Wednesday's Canadian Championship clash will be the 50th all-time meeting between the Whitecaps and Impact. Montreal currently lead the all-time series of results with 28 wins, 13 defeats, and eight draws dating back to the 1993 season. The Impact's record includes 14 wins, five defeats, and five draws versus the 'Caps in Montreal.
The midweek clash is also the third of six meetings between Vancouver and Montreal in the 2010 season. After Wednesday's Voyageurs Cup clash, both clubs will meet three more times in the USSF D-2 regular season. The Whitecaps will visit Montreal's Stade Saputo on Wednesday, June 30, and Wednesday, July 28, before hosting the Impact late in the season on Friday, September 24.
FAMILIAR FACES
One of the many common ties between Montreal and Vancouver has been the number of players that have played for both clubs in recent years. The current Whitecaps squad have two players in Nash and right fullback Chris Williams that have had previous spells with the Impact. Montreal, meanwhile, have four former Whitecaps players in their squad. Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic, striker Eduardo Sebrango, and midfielders Tony Donatelli and David Testo were all members of the 2006 United Soccer Leagues First Division champion Whitecaps side before heading east to join the Quebec-based outfit.
VOYAGEURS CUP PUB PARTY
Whitecaps fans can cheer on Thordarson's side during Wednesday's Canadian Championship clash at The Lamplighter Public House in Gastown (92, Water Street, downtown Vancouver) at 5 p.m. PT. The Lamplighter Public House is a member of the Whitecaps Preferred Pubs & Restaurants program. Whitecaps season ticket holders can use their 'Caps Card for discounts at all of our Preferred Pubs & Restaurants.
...OFF TO ROCHESTER
Following Wednesday's game in Montreal, the Whitecaps will return to USSF D-2 action on Saturday evening, as they head down to Upstate New York for their second league meeting of the season with Rochester Rhinos. Kickoff from Rochester's Marina Auto Stadium is set for 4 p.m. PT and can be seen live on Shaw TV and Shaw Direct (satellite channel 299). Saturday's match will also be available live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 25, 2010
- Impact Plays Last Match of NCC Wednesday Versus Vancouver - Montreal Impact
- Miami FC Looks To Remain Undefeated Against The First Place Austin Aztex - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Stars Make Second Trip To Florida To Face Rowdies - Minnesota United FC
- Boca Juniors Unveils Travel Roster For Saturday's Exhibition Against Timbers - Portland Timbers
- RailHawks Begin Four-Game Road Trip In Puerto Rico - North Carolina FC
- Timbers Introduce First In Series Of Online Video 'Clues' To New MLS Logo - Portland Timbers
- Whitecaps FC Seek Victory In Montreal - Vancouver Whitecaps
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.
