Whitecaps host USL First Division champs
September 9, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
This Sunday the Vancouver Whitecaps will host the 2004 USL First Division Champions Montreal Impact in their final regular season match. Sunday's game is a special 4pm kick off at Swangard Stadium.
This year, Montreal looks poised to defend their title. The Impact, who will play Seattle on Friday, has already earned an astonishing 58 points with a 17-2-7 record. With two games still to play they have already secured the 2005 Commissioners Cup (regular season's best overall record) and a first-round playoff bye. Montreal's success is a testament to their deep bench as they have a large number of players currently involved in Canada's national team talent pool.
Among the national players that dress for Montreal is last year's league MVP and Goalkeeper of the Year, Greg Sutton. This year, Sutton has earned a league leading 14 shutouts and 0.478 GAA. In addition, he backstopped the Canadian National Team during all three of their 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup matches and earned a shutout for the squad against Northern Ireland in February of this year. Northern Ireland defeated the seventh ranked English side 1-0 yesterday.
Less than 1,000 tickets remain for Sunday's big tilt! To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 604-280-4400 or to purchase online, just CLICK HERE.
It's Fan Appreciations Night at Swangard Stadium this Sunday and the Whitecaps will have a number of special giveaways and promotions, including the first 1,000 fans receiving a Whitecaps Men's team poster, and the first 500 kids (12 and under) receiving a free hot dog. The Whitecaps will also be giving away return airfare for two from Vancouver to Palm Springs courtesy Advantage Travel and Harmony Airways, and return airfare for two from Vancouver to any destination in Western Canada served by WestJet.
Earlier this year the Whitecaps unveiled the Domenic Mobilio Golden Boot and the Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Awards. The Golden Boot, awarded to the Whitecap that scores the most goals in the regular season and the Unsung Hero Award, voted on by the fans, will be presented at halftime of Sunday's game. This year three very worthy candidates, Jeff Clarke, Steve Kindel and Steve Klein, have been nominated for the Unsung Hero Award. Fans are encouraged to vote online before noon on September 11 for the Whitecap that they believe best demonstrates dedication and work ethic. CLICK HERE to vote.
The Canadian Red Cross will be at the game on Sunday collecting monetary or clothing donations to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Can't make it to the game? Join Peter Schaad and Alan Errington for all the action on TEAM 1040. The Pre-Game Show starts at 3:30pm! You can also voice your opinion on all things soccer Saturday morning at 9:00am on TEAM 1040.
Although the Whitecaps playoff opponent may not be determined until Sunday, Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations, Bob Lenarduzzi, and Whitecaps head coach, Bob Lilley, have decided to play their first playoff game on the road on Friday, September 16 and complete the two-game series at home on Sunday, September 18 at Swangard Stadium - kick off at 7pm.
Three-game playoff packages are now on sale starting at just $36! This playoff package guarantees Whitecaps fans the same seat for all potential playoff games, as well as the lowest possible ticket prices. In addition, playoff tickets for groups of 15 or more are now available. Groups can guarantee their seats together, and save up to $7 per ticket over single game buyers. To reserve a playoff package or group tickets, call 604-669-WAVE (9283). Single game tickets will be available to the public at noon on Monday, September 12.
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USL First Division Stories from September 9, 2005
- Lynx Defeated on the Island - Toronto Lynx
- Thunder, MYSA team up to help hurricane victims - Minnesota Thunder
- Charleston Battery Fans Donate $12,912 for Hurricane Katrina Relief - Charleston Battery
- Toronto at Puerto Rico live Friday on Fox Soccer Channel - USL-1
- Whitecaps host USL First Division champs - Vancouver Whitecaps
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