Whitecaps to host Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham AFC

The Vancouver Whitecaps will host Wrexham AFC at BC Place on July 27, the clubs announced Thursday.

The match holds special significance for celebrated actor/producer and Wrexham AFC co-chairman Ryan Reynolds, who was born and raised in Vancouver and is a long-time Whitecaps supporter.

"Last year (fellow actor and Wrexham AFC co-chairman Rob McElhenney) got to bring Wrexham to Philly. This year it's my turn," Reynolds said. "I am so excited my hometown club the Whitecaps will get to square off against the Red Dragons. My official stance on the match will be a very friendly 'neutral' even if I will be screaming for a Paul Mullin hat trick."

Whitecaps chief executive officer and sporting director Axel Schuster also is looking forward to the match.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our club, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary season, to play a team as storied as Wrexham AFC," Schuster said. "We're delighted to be able to welcome our visitors from Wales, and welcome Ryan Reynolds back home to Vancouver. We look forward to seeing everyone at BC Place for this first-time-ever matchup."

Prior to playing in Vancouver, Wrexham will compete in a pair of matches in Santa Clara, Calif. The Welsh club is scheduled to play against Bournemouth on July 20 and Chelsea four days later.

Wrexham recently secured their second straight promotion and will compete next season in League One, the third tier of English soccer.