MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Spencer Richey Stars as Whitecaps FC 2 Earn Crucial Draw

Published on July 29, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Whitecaps FC 2 (10W-4L-6D) earned a gritty 1-1 draw versus Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (9W-6L-5D) in a top-three Western Conference showdown on Friday evening at Switchbacks Stadium.Goalkeeper Spencer Richey was stellar yet again in net for the 'Caps, while left back Brett Levis scored the equalizer minutes after Mexican striker Miguel Gonzalez opened the scoring for Switchbacks FC early in the second half.

.@BrettLevis doesn't care about your defenders what a run to get @wfc2 back in the game! #COSvVAN #USL pic.twitter.com/Az9XdePfSV - USL (@USL) July 30, 2016 With a starting lineup headlined by a pair of USL 20 Under 20 selections in Kadin Chung and Marco Bustos, it was the 'Caps defence that was busy for much of the first half, as Levis and centre back Elliot Green churned out timely stops.

The home side threatened in the 36th minute when captain Luke Vercollone and full back Jordan Burt combined on a give-and-go, but Vercollone's shot sailed above the crossbar.

Colorado Springs got on the board shortly after halftime when Martin Maybin initiated the attack from the midfield, playing the ball forward to Mike Seth, who then set the table for a wide-open Gonzalez to put Switchbacks FC up 1-0 in the 47th minute.

The 'Caps answered just moments later. Starting from the left side, Levis carved his way into the box, using a one-touch pass by Daniel Haber to get loose to draw Vancouver level in the 55th minute.

From then on, it was Richey stepping to the forefront, pulling out save after save and making bold plays, denying Conor Doyle, Rony Argueta, and Gonzalez - including a pair of clean looks in added time - while also getting support his defenders.

With the draw, the 'Caps momentarily take the driver seat in the Western Conference standings with 36 points, while maintaining a three-point edge over Switchbacks FC (33 points), who sit in third. Second-place LA Galaxy II (35 points) host Orange County Blues FC on Saturday evening.

Whitecaps FC 2 now visit Arizona United SC on Wednesday, August 3. Watch the match live on whitecapsfc2.com. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

WFC2 are back at Thunderbird Stadium on Saturday, August 6 when they host Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders FC 2 for Super Sports Day. Tickets are available here.

Scoring Summary 47' - COS - Miguel Gonzalez (Mike Seth) 55' - VAN - Brett Levis (Daniel Haber)

Caution 48' - VAN - Sem de Wit

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 1.Devala Gorrick; 44.Jordan Burt, 3.Christian Ibeagha, 2.Josh Phillips, 5.Josh Suggs; 19.Conor Doyle, 8.Rony Argueta, 12.Mike Seth; 4.Luke Vercollone ©, 9.Martin Maybin (11.Saeed Robinson 65'), 10.Miguel Gonzalez

Substitutes not used 23.William Thompson, 7.Nate Robinson, 13.Kevin Durr, 20.Joe Greenspan, 34.JJ Greer, 35.Taeseong Kim

Whitecaps FC 2 39.Spencer Richey; 63.Kadin Chung, 51.Sem de Wit, 54.Elliot Green, 46.Brett Levis; 58.Will Seymore (45.Giuliano Frano 67'), 30.Ben McKendry; 32.Marco Bustos (49.Fatawu Safiu 71'), 56.Daniel Haber (50.Sahil Sandhu 90'), 42.Jordan Haynes (38.Kianz Froese 61'); 47.Kyle Greig © (57.Thomas Sanner 78')

Substitutes not used 24.Marco Carducci, 41.Jackson Farmer

This year, every Tier 1 'Caps Club MLS membership includes three open tickets to WFC2 matches. Members can select their matches and theme days online through Account Manager. Information on theme days is available at whitecapsfc.com/wfc2/themedays.

For more information, contact wfc2@whitecapsfc.com or call 604-484-7862.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 29, 2016


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