MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Mezquida Scores Late But 'Caps Fall 2-1 to Quakes At

Published on August 13, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Nicolas Mezquida scored his third goal of the season in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time, but it was too little, too late for Vancouver Whitecaps FC (8W-11L-6D).The 'Caps fell 2-1 to San Jose Earthquakes (7W-6L-10D) in front of a sold-out crowd of 22,120 on Friday night at BC Place after a controversial Quincy Amarikwa goal in the first half and well-taken Simon Dawkins strike in the second.

San Jose got things started in the 12th minute, when Fatai Alashe headed a Dawkins cross off the crossbar, before opening the scoring two minutes later.

It was not without some controversy, however.

In the 14th minute, Amarikwa got on the end of an Anibal Godoy corner. David Ousted made the initial save and appeared to trap the ball on the goalline, but it was ruled a goal by referee Drew Fischer. Replays weren't conclusive either way. At any rate, San Jose had the early advantage.

The 'Caps came on strong in the latter stages of the first half.

Masato Kudo had a decent chance on a partial breakaway, Christian Bolaî=B1os fired a low shot wide on a dangerous-looking counter, and newcomer Giles Barnes nearly opened his Whitecaps FC account with a volley from the top of the box. Barnes, who was making his home debut, played on the left wing after debuting as a striker last weekend.

Vancouver had some decent chances in the early stages of the second half, too, before San Jose delivered the dagger at the hour mark. That's when Dawkins found the back of the net with a classy strike from the left side of the box, giving the Quakes a two-goal advantage.

The 'Caps, who eventually switched their 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-5-2, came close to equalizing in the 78th minute, when substitute Blas Perez headed a Mezquida cross off the bar.

Mezquida, who was lively in the second half, eventually got Vancouver on the board in the 94th minute. The Uruguayan headed one in from close range at the back post after Kendall Waston flicked on a Bolaî=B1os corner. It just wasn't enough in the end.

Next up for Whitecaps FC is back-to-back encounters with Sporting Kansas City. First, the 'Caps visit Kansas next Saturday (7 p.m. PT on TSN1) at Children's Mercy Park, before hosting them on Tuesday, August 23 in CONCACAF Champions League play (7 p.m. PT - tickets still available).

Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

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Major League Soccer Stories from August 13, 2016


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