The Martlet

In 1974, Bob Lenarduzzi and Bruce Wilson laced up alongside one another to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Fast forward some 35 years later, and the two players are still dedicating themselves to the growth of soccer.

Bruce Wilson, 2008’s Canada West men’s soccer coach of the year, and Vancouver Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi, will once again see their two teams face off on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Centennial Stadium.

It’s becoming a tradition of sorts that has seen the young Vikes hold their own in recent years. Last spring, the Vikes held the Whitecaps to a 0-0 draw, while in 2007 UVic slipped past the pro side to take the match 1-0.

The game allows the Vikes to experience a higher level of soccer, says UVic men’s soccer coach Bruce Wilson.

“It’s a great chance for our young players in particular to see what the next level is like,” Wilson said. “They’re definitely at a different level than us; it’s a great challenge for our young players.”

After capturing the Canada West title over Trinity Western University last fall, the UVic side has produced a number of players that could potentially be useful to the Whitecaps.

UVic goalie Dan Kilpatrick and Canada West MVP Cole McFarlane recently signed with the Victoria Higlanders, a U-23 development squad in town that was created to produce players for the Whitecaps’ United Soccer League (USL).

They’re just two of the players that UVic will have a chance to show off to the professional soccer organization.

“The other good thing about playing the Whitecaps is that it allows their coaching staff to see our young players,” Wilson said. “It’s a great relationship where we have fed them players over the years and they have helped us by having this game.”

Whitecaps’ Geordie Lyall was one of UVic’s greatest up-and-coming stars that serves as a prime example of how important it is for the scouts to be seeing Canada’s university athletes.

With a tour of Africa coming in March, the exhibition match will provide some much needed exposure and game experience to the Whitecaps, who are set to defend their USL title this spring.

With Vancouver edging nearer to a major league soccer franchise every season, Wilson says it’s very important that the teams keep their strong relationship going.

Through maintaining the annual exhibition match, both the local soccer community and the Whitecaps are able to benefit.

Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 28.