Two early goals off free kicks set the tone against the Lady Blues, as Kaylyn Kyle scored after just four minutes, then set up Martina Franko moments later. Whitecaps substitute Melanie Booth and Hudson Valley star midfielder Gabriela Demoner traded second-half goals.

Though Vancouver were missing numerous key players for this semifinal, including leading scorers Melissa Tancredi and Jodi-Ann Robinson, and starting goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain, the Whitecaps were full value for the win. Head coach Hubert Busby Jr. opted for an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, with Rachael Pelat coming in at left fullback, allowing Chelsea Stewart to return to her holding role in midfield. 20-year-old Stephanie Panozzo started in goal for the third time this season, with Chamberlain away on FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying duty with the England women’s national team.

The ‘Caps opened scoring just four minutes in, as Kyle found the net with a dipping free kick from the top of the penalty area that went in by the left post. It was the midfielder’s first goal of the season.

Hudson Valley then came close on 12 minutes, as high-scoring Brazilian teenager Demoner fired a rocket from 25 yards, which Panozzo touched onto the post.

A minute later, the Whitecaps made it 2-0 off another Kyle free kick. Her cross from 30 yards out on the right found Franko on the edge of the six-yard box. The Vancouver captain beat Lady Blues goalkeeper Ashley Thompson with a looping header. It was the veteran’s second goal of the season, and 35th of her Whitecaps career.

The ‘Caps were playing well as a team throughout the first half, passing the ball with authority. Vancouver’s experienced defence, meanwhile, did a good job denying the opposition space, with Hudson Valley’s frustrated attackers repeatedly being caught offside.

Vancouver were in full command at the halftime break, leading 2-0.

On 53 minutes, Whitecaps defender Robyn Gayle made a good run down the right, then found forward Amy Vermeulen wide open 16 yards out. Her shot hit the crossbar, with Kyle sending the rebound wide.

Vermeulen came close again on 64 minutes, deflecting a header from Emily Zurrer just wide. Moments later, Sophie Schmidt got around substitute goalkeeper and former Whitecaps teammate Erin McNulty, but ran out of room, as the ball went over the end line.

The ‘Caps put the game beyond reach on 76 minutes. Desiree Scott sent Julie Armstrong in on goal, and while her shot came back off the crossbar, Booth was there to put away the rebound for her second goal of the season.

Booth almost added another moments later. First, she was denied by McNulty from right in front of goal, then from the ensuing corner, she headed her effort over the crossbar.

The highly-rated Hudson Valley side, who finished first overall in the W-League for a second year in a row, were able to pull a goal back on 85 minutes. Alicia Tirelli on the right found young Demoner in the Whitecaps box, and she hit a crisp shot past Panozzo from 14 yards to make it a 3-1 final.

90 FULL MINUTES
The win sets up Saturday’s big showdown between Vancouver and Buffalo, who are the league’s only two remaining undefeated sides. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. PT at Santa Clarita’s Harry Welch Stadium.

This will be Vancouver’s fourth trip to the W-League Championship Final in ten tries. The Whitecaps were losing finalists in 2001 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, before winning in 2004 in Ottawa, Ontario, and again in 2006 at home. Vancouver will be looking to win the championship on foreign soil for the first time.

The Flash are the Central Conference champions and advanced on the strength of a 3-1 win over Eastern Conference champions Atlanta Silverbacks (9W-3L-1D) in Thursday’s earlier semifinal.

This will be the first appearance in the final for the Flash, who are only in their second year as a W-League club. Buffalo are led by league scoring champion and Canadian international midfielder Kelly Parker from Regina, Saskatchewan.

Atlanta and Hudson Valley will play in Saturday’s third-place match, starting at 3:30 pm PT.

Scoring Summary
4′ – VAN – Kaylyn Kyle
13′ – VAN – Martina Franko (Kaylyn Kyle)
76′ – VAN – Melanie Booth (Julie Armstrong)
85′ – HVQ – Gabriela Demoner (Alicia Tirelli)

Match Stats
Shots: Vancouver 12 – Hudson Valley 9
Saves: Vancouver 4 – Hudson Valley 4
Fouls: Vancouver 14 – Hudson Valley 9
Corners: Vancouver 2 – Hudson Valley 2
Offsides: Vancouver 3 – Hudson Valley 9

Cautions
50′ – HVQ – Kristen Edmonds
57′ – VAN – Chelsea Stewart

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
27.Stephanie Panozzo; 2.Emily Zurrer, 16.Robyn Gayle, 19.Martina Franko, 25.Rachael Pelat; 8.Kaylyn Kyle, 13.Sophie Schmidt, 17.Chelsea Stewart; 6.Amy Vermeulen (9.Julie Armstrong 68′), 7.Kirsteen Buchan (4.Melanie Booth 45′), 11.Desiree Scott (18.Monica Lam-Feist 84′)

Subs not used: 12.Kristen Funk, 23.Nikki Wright

Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues
1.Ashley Thompson (0.Erin McNulty 45′); 16.Kelly Eagan (4.Erica Stewart 72′), 21.Hannah Cerrone, 23.Janelle Cordia, 24.Diane Caldwell; 6.Alicia Tirelli, 10.Gabriela Demoner, 11.Julianne Hubbard, 14.Melissa Hayes (17.Maddy Evans 44′); 5.Jackie Acevedo (8.Tani Costa 67′), 12.Kristen Edmonds

Subs not used: 3.Hannah Beard, 9.Brittany Kinmond, 20.Stefani Knopick

BUFFALO FLASH 3 ATLANTA SILVERBACKS 1
Santa Clarita, CA – New city, same script for the Buffalo Flash at the 2010 USL W-League Semifinal in Santa Clarita, California Thursday night. Buffalo downed the Atlanta Silverbacks, 3-1, on the strength of their dynamic duo: USL Scoring Champ Kelly Parker and USL Assist Leader Veronica Bouquete. The win moves the Flash into Saturday night’s title game at the 2010 USL W-League Championship presented by Umbro.

Entering the match the Flash and Silverbacks were on impressive runs. The Flash were undefeated and looking to continue that trend. The Silverbacks also came off an impressive season, emerging from the talented Atlantic Division. The two sides began the match sharing possession and trading forays into each other’s halves. Buffalo began to gain the edge as the first half wore on, with Parker pulling the strings for the Buffalo offense.

Parker and her teammates played a number of quality through balls only to be foiled by the Atlanta defense or the offside flag. Atlanta waited for their chance at possession and launched several counter-attacks early, only to be held off by the Buffalo defense.

The Flash were the first side to break through in the 23rd minute when Buffalo played in a dangerous corner to Jenny Jeffers’ head, forcing keeper Michelle Betos into a tough save. Betos could only parry away the header though and it spilled to Bouquete, who slammed it off the crossbar only to land at Jenny Hammond’s feet, who finished it for a 1-0 lead.

Looking to jump-start its offense, Atlanta made an immediate substitution, bringing in Kay Harbrueger. The Silverbacks withstood the continued Buffalo pressure and leveled the match in the 36th minute. Atlanta won a free kick from 45-yards out and Bailey Powell played a dangerous ball into the box. The Atlanta forwards came hard into the box and sensing the pressure the Flash keeper came out to claim the ball, but the ball took a hard bounce off the turf and glided over Pamela Tajonar’s outstretched hands to tie the match, 1-1.

The second half kicked off with Buffalo continuing to dominate the possession and making dangerous runs into the Atlanta box. The Flash midfield was constantly springing the Silverbacks offside trap to threaten the Atlanta keeper, forcing Betos into several point-blank saves in the second half.

The Buffalo attack finally proved to be too much in the 53rd minute when Bouquete split the Atlanta backline with a through ball at midfield which Parker latched onto and finished for a 2-1 lead.

The Flash benefitted from the same Bouquete-to-Parker combo in the 81st minute, as Bouquete sped down the by byline, shouldered off a defender and cut the ball back to Parker who iced the match.

“Kelly has been phenomenal,” Buffalo Head Coach Aaran Lines said after the match. “She is a fantastic asset to the team.”

Buffalo quickly turned its attention to the next task at hand after the match, winning the W-League Championship.

“There is a lot of quality, talented teams [here],” Parker said after the match. But, Parker said, the Flash “are confident going into the final.”

2010 W-LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE ON FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
All the action from the championship match at Harry Welch Stadium in Santa Clarita, California will be televised live on FOX Soccer Channel starting at 10 pm ET on Saturday, July 31.

This was the first of two international matches between Canada and Chile. The match was played at the Complejo Deportivo Quilín of the Federación de Fútbol de Chile. The next match will be played on Sunday 1 August.

Three Canadian teams are in action this week, with the women’s U-17 team in Chile, the men’s U-17 in Laval, QC, and the Para Soccer team in Milton, ON. Canada’s women’s U-15 team opens camp this weekend in Sunrise, FL, USA.

“The 1-1 draw was a fair result for both teams,” said Canadian women’s U-17 head coach Bryan Rosenfeld. “We were not, however, as sharp as we needed to be for an international match. We will need to prepare and focus for our next match on Sunday.”

Canada’s starting XI featured Sabrina D’Angelo in goal, Vanessa Kovacs, Alison Clarke, Charléne Achille and Yazmin Ongtengco-Hintzen at defence, Chantale Campbell, Nicole Setterlund and Diamond Simpson at midfield, and Kinley McNicoll, Nour Ghoneim and Caroline Beaulne up front.

Midfields Nicole Setterlund and Chantale Campbell controlled the play well throughout the first half, although Canada was not able to generate a goal. The score was 0-0 after 45 minutes.

Before the start of the second half, coach Rosenfeld made four changes. Coming off were Setterlund, Ghoneim, Beaulne and McNicoll; coming on were midfielder Jade Kovacevic and forwards Haisha Cantave, Abigail Raymer and Haillie Price.

With a new offensive unit up front in the second half, Canada was able to get behind the Chile defence. Chile countered, though, with a spurt of its own which led to the tying goal. Canada’s goal came in the 53rd minute on a free kick by Campbell from 20 metres out. The kick went directly from Campbell’s boot into the net.

The Chile goal was less direct. The free kick deflected off the wall and a rebound deceived D’Angelo after it bounced off the post. Chile pounced on the second rebound for a tying goal of the match.

Late in the match, coach Rosenfeld made two changes. In the 81st minute, he replaced Simpson with the young Ashley Lawrence. Four minutes later, he switched Price for Zakiya McIntosh.

Canada is currently preparing for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2010. The Canadian team is training in Santiago, Chile from 25 July to 3 August.

Greg Janicki’s late header gave the Whitecaps their second straight league victory at Montreal’s Stade Saputo in less than a month. In a match that seemed destined to end in a goalless draw, Teitur Thordarson’s side found a way in the dying stages to claim three valuable away points against their fellow NASL Conference foes.

The win maintained the Whitecaps undefeated record against the Impact this season, with the ‘Caps having registered two wins and three draws in all competitions against the Quebec-based outfit. The midweek result also took Vancouver nine points clear of their next opponent in Carolina RailHawks, though the North Carolina-based club have four matches in hand on the Blue and White.

The ‘Caps made one change to their starting XI on Wednesday, with match-winner Janicki returning to centre back after a one-match suspension. The defender’s return saw Luca Bellisomo move back to central midfield, while youngster Ethan Gage had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench. Montreal, meanwhile, played former Whitecaps players Wesley Charles, Tony Donatelli, and David Testo in a 4-3-3 formation, with Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan making his first start in 12 matches after recovering from a groin injury.

On an overcast summer’s evening in Montreal, a Stade Saputo crowd of 12,355 saw an even first half of play, with Vancouver making a bright start, as the ‘Caps successfully closed down their hosts when they were in possession of the ball.

The game’s first chance fell to the visitors on 10 minutes. Captain Martin Nash’s quickly taken free kick from the right found centre back Nelson Akwari at the far post, with the big defender’s header forcing a good save from Jordan. At the other end on 18 minutes, Impact returnee Ali Gerba had a glorious chance to break the deadlock after being on the receiving end of fellow striker Philippe Billy’s cross in the Whitecaps box. However, the Canadian international’s first touch let him down at a crucial stage.

Past Whitecaps versus Impact clashes have had the odd off-the-ball incidents of note over the years. On 23 minutes, the latest melee unfold ahead of a Vancouver corner. ‘Caps striker Nizar Khalfan suddenly went down in the Impact box – thus causing a shoving match between both sets of players. The skirmish resulted in a yellow card being shown to Montreal defender Simon Gatti by match referee Justin Tasev.

The even nature of the opening half was reflected in the similar type of chances that both sides created. On the half-hour mark, Montreal’s Philippe Billy curled a right-footed free kick around a five-man Whitecaps wall, but just wide of Jay Nolly’s goal. Vancouver’s response was a similar set-piece opportunity for defender Zurab Tsiskaridze on 40 minutes. The Georgian’s strike, however, sailed high and wide of the target.

The last chance before the break fell to the hard-working Khalfan in the two minutes of time added on. The Tanzanian international’s darting run from the right flank to Montreal’s byline resulted in his low cross being spilled in front of goal by Jordan before the home side were able to clear the danger.

It meant both sides were scoreless at halftime.

The second half saw a repeat of Vancouver’s start to the game, as they looked the sharper side shortly after the restart. Quebec native Philippe Davies and Khalfan had goal-bound attempts fly off-target, while on 54 minutes, Bellisomo took a Cornelius Stewart lay-off on the edge of the Impact box before drilling a low shot that was saved comfortably by Jordan. On 62 minutes, the visitors went even closer, as Stewart took a pass from Khalfan before hitting the Montreal side-netting from a tight angle.

As good viewing as it was for Whitecaps fans, the Impact always find a way to create chances of their own at home. On 64 minutes, Tsiskaridze had trouble dealing with a ball into the Whitecaps box, with Gerba pouncing on the loose ball. With the goal seemingly at his mercy, the former Toronto FC striker’s shot deflected away for a Montreal corner. Two minutes later, another recent Montreal returnee in midfielder Antonio Ribeiro forced a fine save from Nolly after taking a Gerba through ball before breaking in on the Vancouver goal.

With the match still a stalemate, the predictable set of substitutions started to occur from both sides. Vancouver’s change on 72 minutes was a notable one, as new signing Ridge Mobulu replaced Blake Wagner to make his Whitecaps debut following his move from Swiss club FC Lausanne-Sport.

Though the match lacked goals, it certainly did not lack opportunities. On 81 minutes, two former Whitecaps players combined for a Montreal chance, as Donatelli’s through ball allowed substitute Eduardo Sebrango to attempt a chip over the onrushing Nolly in the Whitecaps box. The Cuban’s effort, however, could only find the roof of the Vancouver net. At the other end, Jordan needed to be at his best to stop Stewart’s low strike from sneaking past him a minute later.

It was a game in which the last chance might prove decisive. On 88 minutes, that very scenario came true, and for the visiting Whitecaps. Wes Knight’s trademark long throw-in from the right found Janicki at the far post. Though he had to fight through a crowd of players, the centre back’s header found its way into the far corner of the Impact goal for his third goal of the season, and second in as many games in Montreal. In fact, his last goal was Vancouver’s equalizer in the 2-1 away win versus the Impact on June 30.

It was another dramatic strike by the ‘Caps at Stade Saputo, and although their defensive capabilities were tested in the five minutes of time added on, Thordarson’s side held on for a crucial road win over one of their biggest rivals.

90 FULL MINUTES

The Whitecaps will look for similar fortune on Saturday night, as they visit another NASL Conference rival in the RailHawks in Carolina. Montreal, meanwhile, will look to regroup when they visit Crystal Palace Baltimore in Maryland on Saturday evening.

Scoring Summary:
88′ – VAN – Greg Janicki (Wes Knight)

Match Stats:
Shots: Vancouver 9 – Montreal 9
Saves: Vancouver 4 – Montreal 4
Fouls: Vancouver 13 – Montreal 13
Corners: Vancouver 4 – Montreal 6
Offsides: Vancouver 2 – Montreal 3

Cautions:
21′ – MON – Antonio Ribeiro
23′ – MON – Simon Gatti

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.Jay Nolly; 77.Zurab Tsiskaridze, 2.Nelson Akwari, 14.Greg Janicki, 8.Wes Knight; 23.Blake Wagner (19.Ridge Mobulu 72′), 7.Martin Nash, 3.Luca Bellisomo, 15.Philippe Davies (4.Chris Williams 71′); 29.Nizar Khalfan, 39.Cornelius Stewart (20.Ethan Gage 90′)

Subs not used: 31.Simon Thomas, 9.Marlon James, 13.Alex Elliott, 22.Takashi Hirano

Montreal Impact
1.Matt Jordan; 2.Hicham Aaboubou (3.Adam Braz 87′), 16.Wesley Charles, 24.Simon Gatti (18.Marco Terminesi 90′), 5.Nevio Pizzolitto; 14.Tony Donatelli, 26.Antonio Ribeiro, 7.David Testo; 19.Reda Agourram (28.Peter Byers 78′), 21.Philippe Billy, 10.Ali Gerba (12.Eduardo Sebrango 74′)

Subs not used: 22.Srdjan Djekanovic, 15.Patrick Leduc, 33.Bonheur Aubey

MONTREAL IMPACT GAME REPORT
The Montreal Impact (6-8-5) lost 1-0 to its Canadian rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps (8-3-9), following a goal by defender Greg Janicki in the 88th minute of play, Wednesday, in front of 12,355 fans at Saputo Stadium.
Posted near the six-yard box, Janicki headed a long throw-in from the right side taken by defender Wes Knight, beating Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan to his right.

“It is very disappointing to have missed out on the three points tonight,” said Impact defender Wesley Charles. “They were fast in attack and they maintained a lot of pressure on us all game, but overall we played well defensively. It is important that we rebound quickly and to make sure we don’t let this loss affect us negatively.”

“We played a good game, but we continue to give up goals late in games too many times,” said Philippe Billy. “These are mistakes due to lack of concentration and they cost us.”

The entire game was a heated affair, demonstrated by the nine shots, four saves, 13 fouls and four corners for each side. The Impact did, however, dominate possession.

Prior to the Whitecaps goal, the Impact created two good scoring chances. In the 66th minute, following numerous short passes in the Vancouver zone, forward Ali Gerba lobbed the ball over the Whitecaps defense towards Antonio Ribeiro, who took a low shot that goalkeeper Jay Nolly saved with his feet. Then, in the 81st minute, Tony Donatelli sent a deep ball from centre field towards Eduardo Sebrango, who managed to be one-on-one with the Whitecaps’ goalkeeper, only to lob the ball over the Caps’ net.

“We had some good opportunities in the second half, but we weren’t able to capitalize,” said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “The game was decided by a play in which we should have defended better. We have not played this game during 90 minute like it was a championship final.”

Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who missed the last 11 games with a groin injury, made his return. Jordan was put to the test in the 10th and 82nd minutes, frustrating the Whitecaps with two diving saves.

Defender Stephen deRoux (cheek), along with midfielders Rocco Placentino (groin) and Leonardo Di Lorenzo (calf), missed the game due to injury, while midfielder Filipe Soares served an automatic one-game suspension following an ejection.

Canadian forward Marco Terminesi, who joined the Impact on Tuesday, played his first game for the Impact, making his debut during injury time of the second half.

Champions following a victory against the Whitecaps in last year’s final, the Impact have not won a game against Vancouver (0-2-3) in five meetings this season. The Impact suffered a similar fate against the Whitecaps on June 30, allowing a goal in the 90th minute.

The Impact also completed its four-game home stand at Saputo Stadium with two wins and two losses.

The team will play its next two matches on the road, this Saturday in Baltimore (7 pm, palacebaltimore.com), and in North Carolina, on Saturday, August 7 (7 pm, Radio-Canada, carolinarailhawks.com). The Impact will then return home on Wednesday, August 11, to face again Baltimore (7:30 pm, radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, The TEAM 990).

OTHER HIGHLIGHT
44th minute – Matt Jordan blocked a shot from Whitecaps’ forward Cornelius Stewart, which was then cleared by the Hicham Aaboubou, the Setanta Sports player of the game.

THE NEXT 3 GAMES
- Saturday, July 31 – IMPACT @ Baltimore – Maryland SoccerPlex – 7 pm (palacebaltimore.com)
- Saturday, August 7- IMPACT @ Carolina – WakeMed Park – 7 pm (Radio-Canada, carolinarailhawks.com)
- Wednesday, August 11 – Baltimore @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, The TEAM 990)

MATCH SUMMARY
PHOTOS

It was the largest loss by an MLS All-Star team to an international opponent. However, the match was played in front of a record crowd of 70,728—the largest ever to see a soccer match at Reliant Stadium, and the fourth largest to watch an All-Star game in any major sport in the United States.

Federico Macheda tallied an early brace—his first goal came after just 24 seconds—to earn All-Star MVP honors. Brian Ching pulled one back for the MLSers, but United were rampant in the second half, tallying goals through Darron Gibson, Tom Cleverley and Hernandez to bury the game. Former Dynamo star Dwayne De Rosario added a consolation for MLS in the 90th minute.

Full Story

Toronto now takes a 1-0 advantage in the two-leg Preliminary Round aggregate goal series down to the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa for the second leg Aug. 3.

“It’s a great result, it’s a positive thing to take a win out of here. It’s better than last year when we lost to Puerto Rico,” said Barrett. “In Honduras, it’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to be just as good if not better on their own field as they have the thick grass, they got their fans. It’s going to be tough.”

The winner will advance to the group stage and join MLS champion Real Salt Lake, Arabe Unido of Panama and the winner of the series between Mexico’s Cruz Azul and San Francisco FC of Panama.

Full Story

The MLS lineup includes US World Cup hero Landon Donovan, 2008 league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto, past World Cup selections in Brian Ching, Edson Buddle and Bobby Convey and seven-time MLS All-Star Shalrie Joseph. LA Galaxy coach and former US national team boss Bruce Arena leads the group.

Manchester United are in the middle of their preseason preparations, and several players that participated in the World Cup will not be playing on Wednesday night. The Red Devils still boast a star-studded lineup with the likes of superstars Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who is the first Mexican player to sign with the Red Devils.

Full Story

The Impact is currently in third place in the NASL division with 23 points, seven points behind the Whitecaps, who sit in first place.

The Impact has a winning record of 23-10-6 in 39 regular season meetings with Vancouver (46 GF – 28 GA) but will be looking for its first win in 2010 (0-1-3).

“We have had some excellent training sessions in preparation for this match,” said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “We have prepared the team like it’s a championship final. We worked on different game situations, knowing that the Whitecaps like to put high pressure and that they can be very dangerous on freekicks.”

The last match, on June 30 at Saputo Stadium, ended in a 2-1 loss for the Impact following a goal by Luca Bellisomo in the 90th minute. This was the first loss to Vancouver in Montreal since 2001. In club history, the Impact has lost only four times to Vancouver in 20 regular season games played at home.

Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who missed the last 11 games due to a groin injury, will be available Wednesday. However, Impact defender Stephen deRoux (cheek), along with Rocco Placentino (groin), Leonardo Di Lorenzo (calf) and Kevin Cossette (ankle) will be sidelined with injuries.

Midfielder Filipe Soares will also miss the match as he will be serving an automatic one-game suspension following his ejection during the last game against St. Louis.

Midfielder Tony Donatelli is the Impact’s leading scorer with five goals and 13 points, placing him in 5th place in league scoring, and already establishing a personal best since joining the league in 2006 with Vancouver.

This game will be the first of a series of five games on the road for the Whitecaps, which will then travel to Carolina, St Louis, Minnesota and Tampa Bay.

Head coach Teitur Thordarson and his team have not won their last two games, losing 2-1 to the Portland Timbers on July 22 and then tying the Minnesota Stars 1-1 last Sunday.

Defender Moulod Akloul (ankle) and forward Randy Edwini-Bonsu (calf) did not make the trip to Montreal but defender Greg Janicki will be available Wednesday after serving a one-game suspension against the Minnesota Stars.

Fans in attendance Wednesday night, as well as on August 11, will be privy to a $1 Lafleur hotdog promotion, starting from 6 pm (when the doors open) until kickoff. Tickets for those matches are available through the Admission Network (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com) as well as at the Saputo Stadium ticket office.

OTHER FACTS
• Many players for both sides have worn the colours of their opponents at some time in their careers. Impact midfielders David Testo and Tony Donatelli, striker Eduardo Sebrango, defender Wesley Charles, as well as goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic have all played for the Whitecaps. Whitecaps’ midfielder Martin Nash and defender Chris Williams have donned the white and blue in Montreal.
• French midfielder William Nkake continues to tryout with the Impact.
• On July 20, the Vancouver Whitecaps traded midfielder Jonathan Steele and Ricardo Sanchez to Tampa Bay for future considerations. Then last Saturday, midfielder Justin Moose was released by the Whitecaps.

NEXT THREE GAMES
• Saturday, July 31 – IMPACT @ Baltimore – Maryland SoccerPlex – 7pm (palacebaltimore.com)
• Saturday, August 7 – IMPACT @ Carolina – WakeMed Park – 7pm (Radio-Canada, carolinarailhawks.com)
• Wednesday, August 11 – Baltimore @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 7:30pm (radio-canada/sports, CKAC Sports, The TEAM 990)

FORWARD MARCO TERMINESI JOINS THE IMPACT
The Montreal Impact has made more changes to its roster on Tuesday, signing Canadian forward Marco Terminesi for the remainder of the 2010 season, as well as the 2011 season, contingent upon league approval. The Impact also traded midfielder Tyler Hemming to the Austin Aztex for future considerations, pending also league’s approval.

Terminesi, 25, is originally from Woodbridge, Ontario. After graduating from the University of Louisville, he played the 2009 season with the Minnesota Thunder. In 17 games (691 minutes), he scored six goals and added four assists for a total of 16 points. From 2008 to 2010, he also played indoor soccer for the Milwaukee Wave, where he was named Rookie of the year.

“He is a player who did very well in our league last year and adds some depth to our attack,” said technical director Nick De Santis. “He is naturally left-footed, with good offensive and technical skills, and he is very dangerous around the net.”

Terminesi will arrive in Montreal on Wednesday, and should be available to take part in the 7:30 pm game against the Vancouver Whitecaps, at Saputo Stadium (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990).

TYLER HEMMING TRADED
Hemming managed only five appearances with the Impact this season for a total of 279 minutes. He was acquired from the Charleston Battery (USL-2) last January, as part of loan agreement that sent Pierre-Rudolph Mayard to South Carolina.

“It’s too bad that it didn’t work out with him,” said De Santis. “We wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Having wrapped up a four-match home stand on the weekend, Teitur Thordarson’s side will spend the next month away from home, with the Blue and White facing two tough NASL Conference showdowns this week. They meet a new-look Impact side that are hoping to close the gap on conference leaders Vancouver following a less than stellar first half of the season.

Wednesday’s match between Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact from Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec, kicks off at 4:30 pm PT. Whitecaps fans can watch this week’s contest live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.

WHITECAPS FC
After a less than satisfactory home stand that saw the ‘Caps register a 1W-1L-2D record, Thordarson’s side are keen to rekindle the away form that saw his squad go undefeated in their previous five-match road spell this season. Included in those set of games was a memorable win in Montreal on June 30, as Luca Bellisomo’s late strike gave the Whitecaps their first regular season win in Montreal since 2001.

Whitecaps games with the Impact are never short on drama, and Wednesday’s match is likely to be no different. Though NSC Minnesota Stars held Vancouver to a point on Sunday, a continuation of the flowing soccer that was seen in recent games at Swangard Stadium is likely to be the order from Thordarson, with his side having successfully attacked teams in their last set of road matches.

Thordarson has taken a squad of 21 players on their two-week road trip that includes matches in North Carolina and St. Louis, Missouri. The squad includes talented youngster Russell Teibert, who just completed the 2010 United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) season with the Whitecaps Residency squad. Centre back Greg Janicki is available after serving one-match suspension against Minnesota on Sunday, as is fellow defender Zurab Tsiskaridze. The left fullback is cleared to play after overcoming a knock to his shin in the weekend draw with the Stars. Centre back Mouloud Akloul (ankle) and striker Randy Edwini-Bonsu (calf), however, have stayed behind in Vancouver for treatment.

IMPACT
It has been a period of turnover and transition for Montreal. By their standards, the 2010 season has not gone according to plan. Considered one of the contenders in USSF D-2 at the start of the season, the Impact still have work to do in order to assure their spot in the playoffs come October. Coupled with another poor showing in this year’s Nutrilite Canadian Championship, some predictable roster changes soon took place.

Those to move on from Stade Saputo included defenders Cedric Joqueviel and Stefano Pesoli, as well as Panamanian striker Roberto Brown and Canadian midfielder Tyler Hemming, who was traded to USSF D-2 rivals Austin Aztex this week. Montreal’s reinforcements saw the return to the Impact of midfielder Antonio Ribeiro and striker Ali Gerba after the pair completed recent spells in Major League Soccer. The new additions also include last week’s signing of former Whitecaps centre back Wesley Charles. The Impact also hope to have Canadian striker Marco Terminesi available after the former Minnesota Thunder man signed for Montreal on Tuesday.

With two wins from their last three home games, Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos is hoping for another positive end-of-season run-in. “I believe we are now in a phase where things are falling into place,” Dos Santos told the Impact’s official website last week.

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Wednesday’s clash will be the 52nd all-time meeting between Whitecaps FC and the Impact. Montreal currently lead the all-time series of results with 28 wins, 14 defeats, and nine draws dating back to the 1993 season. Montreal’s record includes 14 wins, six defeats, and six draws versus the ‘Caps in Montreal.

The midweek clash is also the fifth of six meetings between Vancouver and Montreal in the 2010 season. After Wednesday’s match, both clubs will meet for the final time in the USSF D-2 regular season when Vancouver hosts Montreal at Swangard on Friday, September 24.

So far this season, both the Whitecaps and Impact recorded a pair of 1-1 draws in this year’s Nutrilite Canadian Championship, while in the league, the two sides drew 0-0 at Swangard on May 15 before the Whitecaps claimed their first regular season victory at Stade Saputo with a 2-1 result on June 30.

FAMILIAR FACES
One of the many common ties between Montreal and Vancouver has been the number of players that have played for both clubs in recent years. The current Whitecaps squad have two players in captain Martin Nash and right fullback Chris Williams that have had previous spells with the Impact. Montreal, meanwhile, have five former Whitecaps players in their squad. Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic, striker Eduardo Sebrango, and midfielders Tony Donatelli and David Testo were all members of the 2006 United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) champion Whitecaps side, while centre back Wesley Charles helped Vancouver to the 2008 USL-1 championship title before heading east to join the Quebec-based outfit.

NEXT STOP: CAROLINA
Vancouver’s midweek trip to Montreal will be followed by their last-ever regular season visit to Cary, North Carolina, to take on another NASL Conference rival in Carolina RailHawks on Saturday night. Kickoff from WakeMed Soccer Park is set for 4 p.m. PT and can also be seen live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.

WHITECAPS FC ADD RIDGE MOBULU
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the acquisition and signing of striker Ridge Mobulu (mo-boo-loo) from FC Lausanne-Sport of the Swiss Challenge League (second tier in Switzerland). Mobulu has been signed to the club’s United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) roster and loaned to the United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2) side until October. Per club policy, terms of the transfer and contract were not disclosed.

Mobulu, 19, arrives in Vancouver after spending three seasons with Lausanne. Between 2007 and 2010, the 5-foot-8, 160-pound forward scored five goals in 20 appearances with the Swiss second division club. Last season, as a member of Lausanne-Sport, Mobulu spent six months on loan with FC Bulle of the Swiss 1. Liga (third tier in Switzerland), where he scored three goals in nine appearances.

Born in Kinshasa, which is the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mobulu was part of a Swiss U-15 national selection camp in 2005.

Though the Whitecaps undoubtedly have their sights set on a third W-League title, Hubert Busby Jr.’s side are taking things one match at a time, starting with Thursday’s semifinal against the top-seeded Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues (11W-1L-0D). “We have been focused all year long, and that’s been one of our strong points,” Busby told whitecapsfc.com. “We clinched our playoff berth four games ago, and yet, we still went out with good performances – mind you with a couple of lapses here and there. We’re not looking pass Hudson Valley at all.”

WHITECAPS FC
In order to earn a berth in Saturday’s championship match, however, the Whitecaps may need to knock off the Lady Blues without W-League Western Conference all-stars Melissa Tancredi and Jodi-Ann Robinson. Tancredi is listed as questionable for Thursday’s semifinal, due to family commitments in Southern Ontario, while Busby confirmed that Robinson will not be in the line-up because of university commitments. Neither player will be available for Saturday’s W-League final, if the team advances, though Busby is still holding out for the possibility of having Tancredi in the line-up on Thursday.

Nonetheless, the Whitecaps head coach believes his side are prepared to proceed either way. “We’re going to have to find a way,” he said. “That’s what it is now. We’re going to have to go on with the team we do have and those players are going to have to step up and do a job. This is just what you have to deal with sometimes. The group is really focused.”

Striker Amy Vermeulen, who scored in Vancouver’s 2-1 victory over Pali Blues last week, and midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who was recently named to the W-League All-Western Conference Team, will surely be relied upon to boost the Whitecaps attack in the absence of Robinson and Tancredi.

Although the ‘Caps may be without their top two scorers, they could be receiving a boost from returning injured players, as midfielders Monica Lam-Feist and Kara Lang will both be making the trip to Southern California. Busby says Lam Feist is listed as day-to-day, while Lang is “unlikely” to suit up – though it remains a possibility.

QUICKSTRIKE LADY BLUES
Coming off their second consecutive W-League regular season title, Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues obtained a bye to Thursday’s semifinal after recording 33 of a possible 36 points in the W-League Eastern Conference, Northeast Division this season.

Led by their midfield tandem of Brazil-born Gabriela Demoner and Alicia Tirelli, who were both featured on the 2010 W-League All-Eastern Conference Team, the New York State outfit will be looking to avenge their 4-0 defeat to Pali Blues in last year’s W-League semifinals. Although the Whitecaps have never met Hudson Valley in regular season or playoff competition, Busby expects a competitive affair on Thursday.

“Every team that has made it this far has to be good,” he said. “It’s a very tough league. To come out of their division and win the league outright with the amount of points that they had shows that they have good capabilities. Going through their roster, they’re a good attacking team so we’re going to have to be weary of that. But with that said, we’ve defended well throughout the year. Like anything else at this time of year, it’s going to come down to who plays better on game day.”

The Lady Blues squad includes Canadian international goalkeeper Erin McNulty. In 2008, the Winnipeg, Manitoba, native was the Whitecaps starting keeper, where she made five appearances.

Kickoff of Thursday’s W-League semifinal between Whitecaps FC and Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues is set for 8 pm PT at Harry Welch Stadium in Santa Clarita, California. The 2010 W-League championship final is set for this Saturday night at 7 pm PT and can be seen live on Fox Sports World Canada.

TAMPA, FL – The United Soccer Leagues W-League has announced its 2010 All-League Team, and each of the four teams headed to this weekend’s W-League Championship in Santa Clarita, California is represented. The 2010 W-League All-League Team was selected through a vote of team management.

Headlining the list is Buffalo Flash midfielder Kelly Parker, who is making her fourth appearance on the All-League Team. Parker, who led the W-League in goals and points, was also chosen as league MVP in 2004 and was selected to the All-League Team in 2004, 2005 and 2007 with Ottawa. Parker’s Flash will face the Atlanta Silverbacks, led by All-League midfielder Megan Tomlinson, in a semifinal Thursday. Thursday’s other semifinal will feature All-League midfielder Gabriela Demoner of the regular season champion Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues, facing off against All-League forward Melissa Tancredi and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Tancredi is also a repeat selection for the All-League Team, having represented Atlanta on the 2005 team.

The other repeat selection is Long Island Rough Riders defender Sue Weber, who also got the nod in 2008 when she was selected as Defender of the Year. Weber is joined on defense by Pali Blues standout Christie Shaner, Gabriella Toulouse of the Washington Freedom Futures and Sarah Wagenfuhr of the Colorado Rush. Backing up the defense is goalkeeper Alyssa Whitehead of the Charlotte Lady Eagles. Whitehead led Charlotte to the Eastern Conference Final while only allowing four goals, leading the league in goals-against average (.410) and tying for second in shutouts (6).

Joining Tancredi at forward are New York Magic rookie sensation Rashidah Sherman and Omolyn Davis of the Washington Freedom Futures. With Davis and Toulouse both selected, Washington is the only team to have two players chosen.

W-LEAGUE AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Winners to be Named at Championship Banquet Friday

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues has announced the finalists for the 2010 W-League Honors. The awards for Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year and Coach of the Year will be presented, along with the award for Goalkeeper of the Year, at Friday night’s Awards Banquet at the 2010 W-League Championship Presented by Umbro in Santa Clarita, California.

Nine W-League teams are represented among the list of finalists, with five nominees participating in the W-League Championship final four Thursday and Saturday in Santa Clarita. Among the finalists for Most Valuable Player is 2004 league MVP Kelly Parker of the Buffalo Flash, who led the W-League in both goals and total points this season. Parker will face stiff competition from Melissa Tancredi of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Rashidah Sherman of the New York Magic, who is also a Rookie of the Year finalist. The other rookie nominees come from a pair of rookie teams – Morgan Kennedy of the Colorado Rush and Cherelle Khassal of the Santa Clarita Blue Heat.

Finalists for Defender of the Year are Christie Shaner of the Pali Blues, Gabriela Toulouse of the Washington Freedom Futures and the 2008 winner, Sue Weber of the Long Island Rough Riders. The list of Coach of the Year finalists includes three of the four 2010 W-League finalists: Hubert Busby, Jr. of the Western Conference champion Vancouver Whitecaps, Jesse Kolmel of the regular season champion Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues (recently named an assistant coach of Sky Blue FC of WPS), and Aaron Lines of the Central Conference champion Buffalo Flash. Also up for the award is Washington Freedom Futures bench boss Win Puffer.

Votes for the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year awards are submitted by W-League team management. Rookie of the Year finalists are determined by All-Conference voting, while the Defender of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year are chosen based on total All-Conference votes.