Whitecaps FC Residency teams headed down the I-5 for road matches against rivals Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday, completing their sixth regular season in the Development Academy.

Once again, both the U-18 and U-16 teams won the Northwest Division title as they head into the Academy Playoffs later in June.

The U-18s had long secured top spot, while the U-16s captured the crown on the final day. The two titles mark the ninth times that the ‘Caps have won their division out of a possible 12 since joining the league in the 2011-2012 season – the most of any club.

The ‘Caps now prepare for the Academy Playoffs from June 22 to 26 at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana. But first for the U-18s is a friendly match this coming Sunday, June 4 vs. new PDL side TSS Rovers FC at Swangard Stadium. Kickoff will be at 5 p.m. PT.

U-18

The U-18s fell 1-0 on the road to Seattle in their final regular season match.

A slow start for the ‘Caps led to a 0-0 halftime score. In the second half, Nicolas Apostol was shown a second yellow card and subsequent red card. Seattle then scored on the ensuing free kick to go up 1-0, and with the ‘Caps down a man.

The Blue and White pushed for a goal but were unable to find an equalizer.

“It was a lethargic first half,” noted U-18 coach Niall Thompson. “We made a couple of substitutions and outplayed them late, but couldn’t connect. It’s been a good season for the boys, they have rebounded well from the ups and downs. We have a great game against TSS this coming Sunday which will prepare us well heading into the playoffs.”

U-16

In their final match, the U-16s defeated Seattle 2-0 to leap Crossfire Premier and win yet another division title.

Striker Jose Hernandez and midfielder Anthony Caceres provided the goals for the ‘Caps.

“I’m really pleased for the guys tonight,” said U-16 head coach Adam Day after the match. “It was a real big ask to come down here to face a top team and MLS rival, and to get the result to top the group. They had a full day of school, then bus trip, and they’ve put up a big performance and fully deserve their reward tonight. Although it isn’t our primary focus, it’s not easy to win the division, the boys earned it for their commitment every day. Preparation now starts for the playoffs at the end of the month.”

Lineup

Evan Ince; Jake Ruby, Daniel Kaiser, Nikolas White (Chance Carter 60’), Christopher Lee; Ali Zohar, Anthony Caceres (Keenan Foley 70’), Alessandro Hojabrpour; Gurman Sangha (Nikolas Papakriakopoulos 65’), Jefferson Alade (Jacob Aulin 70’), Jose Hernandez