Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release - www.whitecapsfc.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2-3-3) are coming off an impressive weekend capturing four out of a possible six points, including a 0-0 draw against the first-place Pali Blues on Sunday. The Whitecaps will take this momentum on the road as they face a grueling three-game stretch in California this week.
Jesse Symons' side, who are now unbeaten in five straight matches, will look to extend that streak on Wednesday night against Pali before facing the LA Strikers on Friday and the Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Sunday.
WHITECAPS FC
This will mark the start of the ‘Caps longest road trip of the season, as the Blue and White will be California dreaming, with three games over the Canada Day holiday weekend.
Vancouver's most recent game was a hard-fought defensive stalemate against the Pali Blues at Kinsmen Stadium in North Vancouver, BC. The ‘Caps became the first team to capture a point off the W-League Western Conference leaders.
Although Whitecaps FC played well, they did not quite generate enough offensively. “I look for us to be more aware and precise in regards to when we can play through them,” Symons told whitecapsfc.com.
The ‘Caps will also look to come up with a game plan to deal with Pali’s size, as their center back combination of Christie Shaner and former Vancouver player Sasha Andrews gave the 'Caps fits, especially on set-pieces.
“We have to focus on not giving up so many fouls,” noted Symons. “We controlled their center backs on set-pieces pretty well, but you can’t give them endless chances to score.”
Overall, it was a tidy defensive performance from a Whitecaps FC team that is looking to get as many points as they can right now to help them climb up the Western Conference standings.
“The players were pleased to get a point off Pali, but nowhere near satisfied,” claimed Symons. “We will look to carry the momentum we have created over the last five games forward.”
PALI BLUES
Pali returns home for their first home game in more than three weeks. The Blues are coming off a five-game road trip during which Pali played three games in six days in the Pacific Northwest.
Charlie Naimo’s squad captured a huge 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC Women last Wednesday, then secured a 4-0 victory against Victoria Highlanders FC on Friday night. However, on Sunday afternoon, they succumbed to their fatigue and a focused ‘Caps squad.
The draw was the first point Pali has given up to an opponent this season, as they have amassed a record of 9-0-1, while having a goal difference of plus 24.
Although the Blues carried the majority of the play, the ‘Caps back four, along with goalkeeper Gurveen Clair, were solid and kept a dangerous Pali attack at bay.
With only four games remaining on the Blues' schedule, and all of them coming at home, Pali will look to wrap up top spot in the Western Conference in their coming games.
NEXT UP
The Whitecaps will then travel to the greater Los Angeles area and venture to Occidental College to take on the LA Strikers this Friday night at 7 p.m. PT.
The Blue and White return to British Columbia for their final home match of the season against rival Victoria Highlanders FC on Sunday, July 8. Kickoff from Minoru Park in Richmond, BC, is set for 4 p.m. PT.