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MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

'Caps fall but remain in first place in MLS standings

April 12, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


SAN JOSE, CA - Facing their third match in a week, a weary Vancouver Whitecaps FC side fell 1-0 to San Jose Earthquakes on the road Saturday.

It was a frustrating first match at Avaya Stadium for Whitecaps FC, made worse by a red card to captain Pedro Morales in the 88th minute, as both he and Earthquakes striker Adam Jahn were ejected from the game. The red card means that Morales will miss next Saturday's match at Real Salt Lake.

Head coach Carl Robinson made four changes to the starting lineup from Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew SC. Pa-Modou Kah replaced Diego Rodriguez at centre back after the Uruguayan left Wednesday's match early due to a strained quad, Jordan Harvey came in for Sam Adekugbe at left back, Deybi Flores made his first MLS start in place of Russell Teibert, and Kekuta Manneh returned to the starting lineup in place of Nicolas Mezquida.

Both teams had a hard time getting going in a stop-start first half that included 19 fouls called by referee Edvin Jurisevic.

The Quakes put the ball in the net on nine minutes, but Jahn was offside on a cross in from former 'Caps midfielder Shea Salinas.

Whitecaps FC nearly had a chance of their own three minutes later as Darren Mattocks chased down a through ball, but goalkeeper David Bingham rushed outside of the box to slide and slap the ball away with his hand, leading to a clear handball call. The 'Caps were unable to capitalize on the ensuing free kick.

After few first half chances, both sides looked to get on the scoreboard early in the second half.

The home side came out strong with Salinas having a strike on goal, but safely into the arms of David Ousted. They were at it again two minutes later when Salinas crossed in for Chris Wondolowski, who volleyed it over the crossbar.

With pressure slowly mounting, San Jose took the lead on 75 minutes. A series of shots from the Quakes eventually led to a top corner strike from Sanna Nyassi to give the Quakes a 1-0 advantage.

A match that appeared frustrating for both sides came to a boiling point in the 88th minute. Following a foul call, Morales and Jahn got into what seemed like a mild altercation, but it was enough for both players to be shown a red card by referee Jurisevic.

The final whistle signalled the end of the 'Caps five match unbeaten run, however the Blue and White remain in top spot in the overall league standings.

Whitecaps FC will look to respond next Saturday when they travel to Utah to take on Western Conference rivals Real Salt Lake. Kickoff for that match is set for 6:30 p.m. PT, live on TSN1 and TSN 1410 radio.

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