Vancouver Whitecaps insider
Published on August 30, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
A LOOK BACK
The Whitecaps saw a two-goal lead disappear Sunday night, as the Minnesota Thunder scored two lightning-fast goals two minutes apart in the second half to record a 2-2 tie at Swangard Stadium. Joey Gjertsen opened the scoring for the home side, and then added an assist on Steve Kindel's tally, before Minnesota staged their comeback. Nathan Knox and Ansu Toure scored for the visitors, with midfielder Matt Schmidt setting up both goals.
A LOOK AHEAD
Late season playoff implications are aplenty as Charleston visits the 3rd place Whitecaps Thursday night only one point behind and a game in hand.
After Montreal's comfortable seven point lead in first place, the playoff picture is rather murky. Rochester has 40 points in 24 games, Vancouver has 39 points in 25 games, and Charleston has 38 points in 24 games. Below them, it's even more of a crapshoot, as 4 points separate 5 teams battling for the final two playoff spots. Not only will the final seeding determine opening round opponents and home field advantage, but the top two finishers receive a first-round bye as well. This would be particularly welcome for the Whitecaps, who are trying to deal with the usual bangs and bruises that accompany a long season.
Come enjoy a playoff atmosphere, and a perfect way to kick off the Labour Day Weekend. In addition, Thursday promises to be entertaining as we celebrate Caribbean Night complete with Steel band Rhythms of the Caribbean!
VOTE FOR YOUR WHITECAPS MEN'S & WOMEN'S FAN FAVOURITE AWARD
It's your choice- the Fan Favourite Award will be presented at the Inaugural Whitecaps Blue and White Banquet presented by BMO Bank of Montreal. We want you to choose your favourite Whitecaps Men's and Women's player. Who, in your opinion, is always exciting, entertaining, charismatic and demonstrates the spirit of the Whitecaps?
PLAYER PROFILE - STEVE KLEIN
Klein, 30, made an immediate impact during his first season in Vancouver, finishing second in club scoring with seven goals and four assists for 18 points in 27 games. For his efforts the 6'2", 176-pound midfielder was named to the 2005 USL First Division All-League First Team, and also received Vancouver's Gerry Nakatsuka Midfielder of the Year award. This year, although he only has one assist to his credit, he's taken on a more defensive role, leading the team in minutes played. In fact, he's only missed 95 minutes over the entire season!
Klein previously spent the last three years with the Charleston Battery, starting 81 of 84 games. During his time with the Battery, he scored eight goals and assisted on five. Prior to Charleston, the native of Nashville, Tennessee, played three seasons with the Hershey Wildcats under coach Lilley, where he accumulated 13 goals and 10 assists in 68 games. In 1999, Klein made the A-League All-Star Team.
CLIP OF THE WEEK
Alright, with all the talk of playoff scrambling, we thought we'd lighten things up a little with a hilarious home soccer video. It's only 4 seconds long, but it's pretty funny nonetheless!
AROUND THE WEB
Missed any EPL action over the weekend? You can at least follow the top goals with the Barclay's Premiership new Virtual Replay.
Virtual Replay is a revolutionary way to view exclusive goal action from the Barclays Premiership. Every Tuesday, following a round of Barclays Premiership matches, Goal of the Week will feature five of the best goals scored. By viewing the Virtual Replay of each goal you'll then be able to decide which one receives your vote. Best of all, you can watch the goal develop from any angle you wish or from any player's vantage point!
USL First Division Stories from August 30, 2006
- Vancouver Whitecaps insider - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Timbers look to continue good form against Impact - Portland Timbers
- Mariners Sail Into Toronto for Sunday Matchup - Toronto Lynx
- Mario Rodriguez called to the Guatemalan National Team - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
