Whitecaps Face Canada On Thursday

Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release - www.whitecapsfc.com

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are pleased to announce that South Fraser Soccer Club will be hosting a friendly between the Whitecaps FC women’s squad and the Canadian women’s national team this Thursday, May 24 at South Surrey Athletic Park. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. PT. The match is open to the public and free of charge.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with South Fraser Soccer Club for this very exciting match,” said Dan Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC director of soccer development. “Many of the players on the national team have played for our club, including seven players on this year’s roster, so it will be fantastic to see Whitecaps past and present on the field at the same time.”

The match will feature some of the best female soccer talent in Canada, including seven players playing for the national team who are on to this year’s Whitecaps FC women’s roster: defenders Melanie Booth and Shannon Woeller, midfielders Kaylyn Kyle, Desiree Scott, Chelsea Stewart and Brittany Timko, and striker Chelsea Buckland. Additionally, several local Surrey products are now playing for Whitecaps FC, including: Nikki Ambrose, Natalie Boyd, Jenna Richardson and Nicole Setterlund.

As part of the match, Whitecaps FC will hold a pre-game mini-clinic for members of the Semiahmoo Soccer Club. For more information on attending the clinic, please contact Chris Murphy at cmurphy@southfraserfc.com.

“What an amazing opportunity to truly bring the best of the best in Canadian female soccer talent to the South Surrey community,” said Chris Murphy, South Fraser executive director. “There is a rich history of producing world class soccer players from this area and to see some of our former youth players now on Vancouver Whitecaps FC playing against international stars like Christine Sinclair will be a proud and exciting moment for the club."

The Canadian women's national team is currently in residency camp in Vancouver as they prepare for the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London, England, starting July 25, 2012 against reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Japan.  The Red and White qualified for the Olympic Games after finishing second at the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament at BC Place in January.

Next up for Whitecaps FC women is a Pacific Northwest tilt against rivals Seattle Sounders next Sunday, May 27, at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, BC. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT. For schedule and ticket information, visit whitecapsfc.com or contact Hugh Hamilton at 778-330-1360.