Stars defeat Whitecaps

September 18, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release


BLAINE, MN - In their final regular season road match as a North American second division club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (10W-4L-14D) suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at USL Conference club NSC Minnesota Stars (10W-12L-7D) in the USSF D-2 Pro League on Saturday evening.

A goal shortly after halftime by Stars striker Devin Del Do gave playoff-chasing Minnesota a first-ever win over the 'Caps in their final home game of the regular season. It was a disappointing result for the 'Caps at the National Sports Center (NSC) Stadium, as Vancouver enjoyed plenty of possession in the Minnesota defensive third of the pitch, but failed to turn that possession into genuine goalscoring opportunities.

Saturday's defeat now turns the chase for the NASL Conference title into a contest, as Vancouver's loss - coupled with Carolina RailHawks' 4-2 win at Crystal Palace Baltimore on Saturday - pulled the North Carolina outfit to within three points of the conference-leading 'Caps, with two games left in both sides' regular season campaigns. Defeat also ended Vancouver's hopes of claiming the top playoff seed in USSF D-2, while it also halted their undefeated run on the road at 11 matches, and in the league at nine games.

Following a week of training in Minnesota, Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson made two changes for the weekend clash with the Stars. Cody Arnoux partnered Randy Edwini-Bonsu in the Vancouver attack, while Blake Wagner returned from suspension to play on the left-hand side of midfield. Goalkeeper Jay Nolly, meanwhile, made his 73rd consecutive start for the Blue and White.

On a cool evening in the American Midwest, Whitecaps FC made a bright start to what was relatively subdued first half of action, as the visitors looked to stamp their authority on Saturday's match with quick passing and forward movement. Vancouver's first opportunity came on five minutes, with centre back Greg Janicki nodding Alex Elliott's free kick wide of the far post.

Looking to strengthen their position for the postseason, Minnesota kept Whitecaps FC's defenders on their toes with two chances of their own. Simone Bracalello struck a shot wide on seven minutes before Del Do got the better of 'Caps right fullback Wes Knight before rolling a shot wide a minute later.

There were large spells of controlled play from Whitecaps FC, as they looked to improve on their on-pitch chemistry following a busy summer of player movement. On 12 and 14 minutes respectively, Elliott and Janicki saw headed opportunities threaten the Minnesota goal, but not bring the desired result.

While Minnesota goalkeeper Joe Warren looked comfortable in collecting crosses and strikes at his goal, the Stars brought premature celebrations from their own supporters on 27 minutes, as Ely Allen was adjudged to be in an offside position after heading home Kyle Altman's ball into the Vancouver box.

The disallowed goal was the closest the home side came to scoring before the break, as Whitecaps FC looked the more likely to break the deadlock with their possession and attacking intent from both flanks. The best chance of that spell came in the 45th minute, as Elliott had a glorious chance to score his first-ever Whitecaps FC goal. Captain Martin Nash found Wagner on the left before the former FC Dallas winger swung in a fine that found Elliott at the far post. Though in a prime position to score from close range, the Vancouver native struck his shot high and wide of Warren's goal.

It meant both sides went to the halftime break level at 0-0.

The Elliott chance proved costly for the 'Caps, as Minnesota took the lead with their best chance of the second half. On 49 minutes, Bracalello got in behind the 'Caps backline before unleashing a fierce goal-bound strike. Nolly dove and got his hand to the Italian striker's shot, with the ball coming off the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly for Del Do to knock into an empty net and give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.

It was a disappointing position for the 'Caps to be in, with Vancouver having looked in control of the contest to that stage. Their response to falling behind was immediate and ultimately led to their best scoring chance after the break. A fine attacking sequence of passes allowed Arnoux the chance to strike the equalizer and his first goal for Whitecaps FC. However, the American forward's shot was well blocked by Warren in the Stars' six-yard box on 50 minutes.

Undeterred, Thordarson's side kept pressing forward in search of a leveller, despite the Stars getting plenty of players behind the ball and defending stoutly. Even the introductions of Jonathan McDonald and Ridge Mobulu in attack, and Philippe Davies on the right side of midfield, made no difference to the scoreline. The closest the visitors came to scoring following those substitutions was Davies' wayward strike from Mobulu's promising run and pass on 69 minutes.

As the match headed into the final stages, both sides traded opportunities. Warren did well to punch clear 'Caps substitute Zurab Tsiskaridze's dangerous cross from the left, while at the other end, Nolly had to have his body behind the ball to stop Bracalello's well-hit free kick.

Even the two minutes of time added on could not change Vancouver's fortunes, as they ended this final regular season road trip in defeat. For the Stars, Saturday's win wrapped up a fine week of home results, with Minnesota on course to take part in next month's USSF D-2 playoff action.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 18, 2010


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