MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Vancouver held to draw

Published on February 10, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


CASA GRANDE, AZ - Playing their second training match of the 2012 preseason, Vancouver Whitecaps FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Major League Soccer rivals Real Salt Lake at Grande Sports World in Casa Grande, Arizona, on Friday.

After drawing with another MLS Western Conference club in Seattle Sounders FC on Monday afternoon, Martin Rennie's side had to settle for a second-straight 1-1 result in The Grand Canyon State to wrap up their 10-day stay at Grande Sport World. Like Monday's game, Whitecaps FC took the lead through 2012 MLS SuperDraft pick Darren Mattocks before Salt Lake earned a draw with a penalty strike from Fabian EspÃ-ndola. Friday's game was an extended contest of two 45-minute periods, followed by a third period of 35 minutes.

The first 45-minute period was a physical affair, with the match referee issuing four bookings before the first break. The first chance of the match fell to "˜Caps striker Camilo Sanvezzo, as the Brazilian brought the best out of RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando on 17 minutes.

Ten minutes later, Vancouver opened the scoring from a quick attacking move. MLS Supplemental Draft pick Greg Klazura intercepted a Salt Lake pass before finding Atiba Harris. The St. Kitts & Nevis international then fed fellow Caribbean native Mattocks on the left side of the RSL box before the former University of Akron star struck a low finish past Rimando to give Vancouver the lead.

However, on 39 minutes, the Utah-based outfit were awarded a penalty after midfielder Ned Grabavoy was taken down in the "˜Caps box. Espindola stepped up to put his spot kick past Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Joe Cannon and level matters at 1-1. The second 45-minute period saw RSL head coach Jason Kreis bring on three former "˜Caps players in Cody Arnoux, Wes Knight, and Jonny Steele. Salt Lake then created chances to take the lead through Espindola, Steele, and substitute Sebastian Velasquez. On 80 minutes, Whitecaps FC playmaker Davide Chiumiento struck the outside of the RSL post with a 20-yard free kick. It meant the match remained deadlocked at 1-1, heading into the third and final 35-minute period.

Whitecaps FC looked the more likely side to win the game after a second break. RSL goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez denied "˜Caps youngster Omar Salgado on 103 minutes before Vancouver trialist Patrick Cregg's close-range volley hit the crossbar on 112 minutes. The last chance of the match fell again the to former Republic of Ireland U-21 international Cregg on 123 minutes, but his rising volley near the edge of the Salt Lake box flew wide of the target.

Friday's training match brought Whitecaps FC's preseason training spell in Arizona to an end, with Rennie's squad set to fly home to Vancouver on Saturday. They will train through next week at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex in Burnaby, BC, before playing their third preseason friendly on Vancouver Island, as they visit reigning Canadian Interuniversity Sport champions University of Victoria Vikes on Sunday afternoon, February 19, at 1 p.m. PT.

Whitecaps FC 2012 Major League Soccer season tickets start at $329, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including loge seats and suites, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 10, 2012


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