Canada-Holland to Clash Twice in BC

Ottawa, Ontario – Immediately following its two-game series against Mexico in late February, Canada’s Women’s National Team will be hosting two matches in British Columbia against the Netherlands.



The first match of the two-game series will take place on March 1, 2006 at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. Kickoff has been scheduled for 7pm PT.



The second will be played on March 4, 2006 at Centennial Stadium on the campus of the University of Victoria in Victoria, BC. Kickoff time has been set for 1pm PT. The match will be broadcasted live (on all regional channels) by Rogers Sportsnet.



Tickets for the Vancouver match can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling the Vancouver Whitecaps office on 604-669-WAVE (9283).



Prices for single game tickets are $20 for Adult, $15 for Youth (under 18).Tickets for Groups of 10 or more are $15/Adult and $12/youth.



Tickets for the match in Victoria can be obtained by contacting the following outlets –



Lower Island Soccer Association (LISA) – 250-382-7489

AllSport (Victoria) – 250-380-1980

SoccerWorld (Victoria) – 250-475-3777

Team Sales (Victoria) – 250-388-9222

InterSport (Campbell River) – 250-286-1760

Action Source (Campbell River) – 250-286-0691

Soccer Zone (Nanaimo) – 250-754-2220



Prices for single game tickets are $15.00 for Adult, $10.00 for Youth (under 18).Tickets for Groups of 10+ are $10.00/Adult and $7.00/Youth.



Both teams are preparing for World Cup qualifying campaigns in 2006 as we inch closer to the 2007 World Cup. However, the task seems far more urgent for the Europeans.



“Four international games during the winter months will give our team a head start on a busy and important season,” commented Head Coach Even Pellerud.



“Both Mexico and Holland are quality opponents and I am expecting strong opposition in all 4 games.



“Most of my players are available for these games, even though there will be some changes to the roster for the Mexico games and the Holland games.



“Mexico is one of the teams we need to beat in November’s (CONCACAF) Gold Cup in order to qualify for the World Cup, and it’s always a battle when we meet. Holland is a team we tied in Europe last summer and their program has shown steady progress over the last few years.”



While Canada will look to use it’s second two-game series in just under a month to build towards their qualifying tournament in late 2006, the Dutch are presently entangled in a dog-fight for a place in the World Cup in China next summer.



England currently sits atop UEFA’s Group 5 with maximum points from three qualifying games – their last victory, a 1-0 win on November 26, 2005, came at the expense of the Dutch.



Holland and France are deadlocked in second place on six points after three matches but the Dutch hold a slight edge after they started the qualifying round in the best possible way, defeating the French women 1-0 in Angers, France on September 24, 2005. The Austrians and Hungarians currently prop up Group 5 and are unlikely to turn that around – but they could play a vital role in who advances from what appears to be the toughest group of the eight.



Final rosters for the two-game series will be announced shortly.



Online Media Accreditation – Vancouver (UBC) and Victoria (UVic)

Members of the media are invited to apply online for accreditation in the ‘Media Room’ section of the official website of the Canadian Soccer Association –

https://canadasoccer.com



Please complete the form as thoroughly as possible making sure to indicate your requirements.



Accreditation can be picked up on the day of the event at the Media Will Call desk. Information regarding the exact location of the Media Will Call will be relayed to you via email once the location has been established.



Directions to UBC Thunderbird Stadium –

In Vancouver, the UBC grounds can be accessed by driving west on W. 4th Ave, W. 10th Ave, W. 16th Ave & SW Marine Dr.



From the South, take Hwy #99 across the Oak Street Bridge to W. 41st Ave. Turn left on W. 41st and proceed to SW Marine Drive. Continue to the UBC grounds.



From the East, take Hwy #1 into Vancouver and exit at Grandview Highway. Following Grandview Hwy through the city, the street will automatically turn into W. 12th Ave & then W. 10th Ave. Continue to the UBC grounds.



Main Entrance to Stadium is on Thunderbird Blvd, between West Mall & East Mall.



Parking: There are pay parking lots near the stadium. Be aware of FACULTY ONLY restrictions. $30 parking tickets are frequently issued.



Public Transportation: Call Translink: 604-953-3333 or visit www.translink.bc.ca



Directions to UVic’s Centennial Stadium

Directions to the University of Victoria from various locations (Ferry Terminals, Airport, Vancouver, and other parts of Vancouver Island can be found on the University’s website – www.uvic.ca/maps/directions.html or by phone – 250-721-7211.



Broadcasting and PA Announcement – Please note that the official title of the U-20 World Championship in 2007 is ‘FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007′. Any reference to the tournament should be made using this official FIFA title.