‘Caps look for important victory as they trail 2-1 heading into decisive match
VANCOUVER – Facing a must win match, Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Toronto FC in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT at BC Place – TV: SNET ONE, RADIO: TEAM 1410, teamradio.ca. Tickets remain available for the match at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
Whitecaps FC also announced on Tuesday that the May 24 match against Seattle Sounders FC has now sold out. Fans can still gain access to this match by purchasing prorated season tickets starting from $257, which include an exclusive 40th anniversary scarf valued at $30. Fans are encouraged to act now as availability is limited.
“Our support this season has been nothing short of fantastic,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “Tomorrow’s game against our bitter Canadian rivals is setting up to be very exciting. We look forward to another electric atmosphere at BC Place to help drive the team to an important win.”
This will be the first Wednesday home match of the year for Whitecaps FC and, barring a change in the weather forecast, the roof will be open at BC Place for the first time this year.
This will be the final match to #BuckUp for Mental Health, as donations will be accepted at section 213. Fans also have until Saturday to fundraise and win one of five fantastic prizes, including a 90-minute appearance from head coach Carl Robinson and a ‘Caps player of your choice.
The ‘Caps come into the match on the back of a strong performance on Saturday in a 1-0 road win against Columbus Crew. Erik Hurtado scored his first goal for the club on a terrific left-footed strike into the top corner, a nominee for MLS Goal of the Week.
Whitecaps FC will enter Wednesday’s second leg trailing 2-1 after last week’s first leg at BMO Field. Both English international striker Jermain Defoe and United States national team midfielder Michael Bradley scored for the home side, but Kekuta Manneh responded with a late goal in added time that could prove vital as the ‘Caps look to overturn the deficit at BC Place on Wednesday. Vancouver must win in order to advance to the final and play for the Voyageurs Cup.
Toronto have travelled to Vancouver with all three of their Designated Players: Bradley, Defoe, and Brazilian striker Gilberto.
Montreal Impact will host FC Edmonton in Wednesday’s other semifinal series, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE. FC Edmonton enter the match with a 2-1 lead after a first leg victory at home.
Should they advance to the final, Whitecaps FC would have an additional home match at BC Place in either the first or second leg. If the ‘Caps were to face Montreal, they would host the first leg on Tuesday, May 27. If Vancouver were to play FC Edmonton, they would host the second leg on Wednesday, June 4.
