Whitecaps FC Set for Away Match Against Palace Baltimore
September 8, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Starting their final regular season road trip as a North American second division club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (9W-3L-14D) visit NASL Conference rivals Crystal Palace Baltimore (6W-14L-6D) in the USSF D-2 Pro League on Saturday afternoon.
Teitur Thordarson's side first head to Maryland before travelling to Minnesota, with the Blue and White one point away from securing their spot in next month's USSF D-2 playoffs. They take on a Baltimore side that are in a battle to make the postseason in their inaugural season at the second division level.
Saturday's match between Whitecaps FC and Crystal Palace Baltimore from Paul Angelo Russo Stadium in Towson, Maryland, kicks off at 2 p.m. PT. Whitecaps fans can watch Saturday afternoon's contest live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
WHITECAPS FC
With the regular season edging closer to its conclusion, Whitecaps FC are looking to head into the playoffs in good form. Saturday's match gives Thordarson's side the opportunity to secure a playoff place and keep a firm grip on top spot in the NASL Conference standings. Heading into this weekend, Vancouver's lead over second-place Carolina RailHawks is four points.
A run of three straight draws may have extended Vancouver's unbeaten streak in the league, but far from satisfied the team or their supporters, who felt two wins should have been claimed in their latest home encounters. This despite some promising performances from the club's summer transfer acquisitions. Last Sunday gave 'Caps fans their first look at African youngsters Gershon Koffie and Alexandre Morfaw in central midfield, with the pair putting in solid displays versus Puerto Rico Islanders.
Thordarson's 19-player travelling squad will include midfielder Terry Dunfield. The Vancouver, BC, native will join the 'Caps in Baltimore from Montreal after appearing for the Canadian national team in Tuesday's 2-1 friendly win over Honduras at Stade Saputo.
Whitecaps FC will be without several players for this final regular season road trip. Centre back Nelson Akwari (quadriceps muscle) and midfielder Ethan Gage (broken nose) will not travel to Baltimore, while fellow midfielders Koffie (visa issues) and Davide Chiumiento will also stay behind in Vancouver. French centre back Mouloud Akloul is nearing full fitness after missing much of this season with a serious ankle injury.
BALTIMORE
Saturday begins a critical set of matches for Palace Baltimore, with the Maryland outfit in a fight to reach the playoffs, as they sit four points outside the USSF D-2 playoff spots. The visit of Whitecaps FC is the first of three vital games at home for Palace, with Carolina and Portland Timbers to come after the clash with Vancouver. Baltimore's final regular season game takes them to fellow playoff chasers FC Tampa Bay on Friday, October 1.
2010 has been a turbulent season for Palace Baltimore, with the club changing home venues on no less than five occasions this year. There have also been player moves in head coach Jim Cherneski's squad. Former 'Caps midfielder Kenold Versailles moved on to Rochester Rhinos, while striker Randi Patterson made the switch to Austin Aztex. For his team's postseason push, Cherneski added three players before last Friday's USSF D-2 roster freeze. They include strikers Adrian Bumbut and Alan Sanchez, as well as local youngster Mark Murphy, who will back up Palace's first-choice goalkeeper Evan Bush.
For Palace to reach the playoffs, they must look to improve their home form, which currently stands at 2W-8L-2D. This contrasts with Baltimore's away record of 4W-6L-4D. A win over Vancouver would be crucial to their hopes of extending their campaign well into next month.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Saturday's game will be Whitecaps FC's first-ever match in Baltimore, and only their second meeting all-time versus Palace. On May 8, the two clubs drew 0-0 in the inaugural clash at Swangard. Before this season, Vancouver played teams from Maryland on two occasions in their long history. During their first season in the old North American Soccer League, the 'Caps defeated Baltimore Comets 4-1 at Empire Stadium on June 16, 1974. Fast-forward to September 26, 1990, and the 'Pepsi Cup' North American Club Championship match between Canadian Soccer League champions Vancouver 86ers and American Professional Soccer League title holders Maryland Bays at Swangard. The 86ers won the Pepsi Cup after a 3-2 extra-time victory, with Domenic Mobilio scoring the match winner in the 117th minute.
FINAL STOP: MINNESOTA
Vancouver's final away match of the regular season takes them to Blaine, Minnesota, and their fourth meeting of 2010 versus USL Conference club NSC Minnesota Stars on Saturday, September 18. Kickoff from the National Sports Center (NSC) Stadium is set for 5 p.m. PT and can also be seen live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 8, 2010
- Gerba Lifts Impact at Puerto Rico - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps FC Set for Away Match Against Palace Baltimore - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Crystal Palace Baltimore to Face Vancouver Whitecaps - Crystal Palace Baltimore
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