A rematch is upon us this weekend as Sounders FC 2 (3-2-0, 9 points) makes the trip up north on Sunday to face Whitecaps FC 2 (1-2-1, 4 points) at Thunderbird Stadium in British Columbia. Returning to the Northwest after dropping both games on the road in Oklahoma, S2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson looks to right the ship with the young team that started the season off strong with three-straight home victories.
“We have learned a lot about what it’s going to take to play well and win on the road,” said Hendrickson. “The rivalry always adds to the intensity of the match, and we are going to face a team that is going to want revenge.”
The ‘Caps visited Starfire Stadium in late March for their season-opener, but were sent home with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of a Darwin Jones hat trick that earned the striker USL Player of the Week honors. The score line is sure to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the team that only managed to put one shot on goal through 90 minutes.
Since being shutout a month ago, WFC 2 has had mixed results, going 1-1-1 since the teams last met, including an impressive 3-0 victory over Austin Aztex with goals from Caleb Clarke, Craig Nitti and Billy Schuler.
Clarke leads WFC 2 in scoring this season with two goals, scoring the go-ahead tally assisted by captain Tyler Rosenlund in a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC II last weekend. Nitti is also dangerous, scoring a stunning free kick against Austin while earning Team of the Week honors.
Vancouver will be without winger Victor Blasco due to a red card earned against TFC II.
Although there were some scary moments on the road when S2 players went down to injury, Hendrickson is confident the full week of training has everyone healthy to travel this weekend. Forwards Andy Craven and Darwin Jones will look to repeat their successes from the last game against the Whitecaps, while the entire team has returned to a defensive focus having given up four goals in two games in Oklahoma, including three against Tulsa in a 4-3 loss.
WHO TO WATCH
SEA: With a hat trick in his last game against Vancouver, Darwin Jones seems to have the ‘Caps number early in the season. With another goal against Oklahoma City last weekend, Jones is now tied for second in the league for goals scored with four, only one goal behind Sacramento’s Rodrigo Lopez.
Also making an impact in the last match was Andy Craven who had a goal and two assists. Craven is tied for second in the USL for assists with three, and is one behind the league leader Raul Mendiola.
VAN: Canadian striker Caleb Clarke has proven vital to the WFC 2 attack so far this season, using his pace to get past defenders, creating one-on-one chances with opposing goalkeepers. Defender Craig Nitti has also been impressive this season, but primarily for his dead ball abilities. Look for Nitti to be the one standing over the ball in the opposing half come matchday.
