Vancouver Whitecaps Announce USL-Pro Side Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
By Phil Naegely
The trend of MLS sides owning and operating their own USL-Pro sides continues to grow.
On Thursday, Toronto FC announced a USL-Pro franchise ending their existing partnership with the Wilmington Hammerheads. A name for their teamwill be announced at a later date. On Friday, the Vancouver Whitecaps announced their own USL-Pro team, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
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Adding a 2 behind their USL-Pro team follows the actions of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Galaxy II, and fellow Cascadian sides, Seattle Sounders 2 and Timbers 2. It’s not the most creative name idea, but it makes sense for branding purposes. Fans that attend the USL-Pro team games will understand easier which USL-Pro sides are associated with which MLS team.
VWFC2’s addition will bring 12 new sides to USL-Pro in 2015. Orlando City SC and the Charlotte Eagles will not return in 2015. Louisville City FC replaced Orlando City SC, while the Charlotte Independence was launched after the Eagles announced they would no longer field a USL-Pro side.
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Prior to joining MLS, the Vancouver Whitecaps made the playoffs 15 times in 17 seasons. They joined MLS in 2010.
Whitecaps FC 2 will play their home games on the campus of British Columbia and released renderings for their training grounds.
"“We are thrilled to welcome WFC2 into USL PRO and continue our long-term association with Whitecaps FC,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “During the past decade the club has blazed the pathway for the development of professional players in British Columbia and across Canada, and it is no surprise for them to remain on the leading edge through the launch of their USL PRO team. Considering the quality of the ownership and the experienced leadership, WFC2 are certain to provide an entertaining soccer product for fans during their inaugural USL PRO season and beyond.”"
Current Whitecaps FC President Bob Lenarduzzi was elected to the USL-Pro Hall of Fame in 2004 and is excited about another milestone for the club.
"“Today marks another important milestone for our club,” said Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC President. “We’re thrilled to be launching Whitecaps FC 2 for the 2015 USL PRO season. This will provide a bridge for our young players to play consistently in a competitive professional environment, as well as create a long-term platform to develop Canadian talent.”"
The Whitecaps addition back to USL-Pro is a good step for player development as a whole. 2015 will be an important year to watch as more MLS sides field their own USL Pro teams. Likewise, Friday’s announcement is another result of the partnership between MLS and USL-Pro.