Sounders Women lose biggest rival as Whitecaps go idle in 2013

VANCOUVER, BC – (Press Release) Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club will not field a W-League team for the 2013 season.

“The women’s landscape is evolving with the introduction of the new women’s professional league that will include many of the Canadian national team players,” said Rachel Lewis, Whitecaps FC chief operating officer.

“Vancouver Whitecaps FC remain dedicated to the development of female players and look forward to exploring additional development opportunities with our partners, including BC Soccer and the Canadian Soccer Association, to continue to grow the game in this province and country as we lead up to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and beyond.”

The club has been part of the United Soccer Leagues W-League since 2001, and in that time have won USL W-League titles in 2004 and 2006.

“The club remains a strong supporter of the USL W-League, and wishes all teams and players the best of luck for the 2013 season and beyond,” said Dan Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC director of soccer development. “We’ve had a tremendous experience over the years with the W-League and have utmost confidence that the league will continue to deliver a high level of play, training, and development for up and coming players.”