Whitecaps And Sounders Stalemate at 0-0
August 21, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
TUKWILA, WA - Vancouver Whitecaps recorded their second straight goalless draw in less than a week after a 0-0 stalemate at Seattle Sounders on Wednesday evening.
Despite creating numerous goalscoring opportunities against their Interstate 5 rivals on the Starfire Sports Stadium turf in Tukwila, Washington, the Whitecaps were left frustrated at being unable to convert their chances in this latest Pacific Northwest clash in the USL First Division.
The result moves Vancouver to within two points of USL-1 leaders Puerto Rico Islanders, though a win on Wednesday could have taken the Whitecaps on level terms with their Caribbean rivals in the league standings.
Injuries and suspensions forced Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson into three changes from the side that drew 0-0 at home to Puerto Rico on Sunday night. Luca Bellisomo replaced Geordie Lyall at right fullback, while Mason Trafford took the place of injured captain Jeff Clarke in midfield. Up front, Nicholas Addlery replaced the suspended Eduardo Sebrango, who missed the midweek Cascadia Cup match after being sent off against Puerto Rico.
Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer, meanwhile, made three changes to the side that started last Friday's disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Puerto Rico. Costa Rican defender Michael Rodriguez, midfielder Roger Levesque, and forward Kevin Forrest all came into the starting XI for Seattle.
After some heavy late afternoon rain showers in Tukwila, Washington, a Starfire crowd of 3,203 initially enjoyed a dry and cool late summer's evening of soccer, with the Sounders having plenty of first-half possession, while Vancouver had the better scoring opportunities before the break.
Dressed in their away kit of all blue, the Whitecaps looked comfortable on the fast and bouncy turf surface in the opening stages, with referee Ben Chouaf issuing a ninth yellow card of the season to Sounders defender Zach Scott for his challenge on Bellisomo on seven minutes. A minute later, Martin Nash saw his indirect free kick at goal blocked away for the visitors.
USL First Division Stories from August 21, 2008
- Carolina RailHawks Acquire Cuban Forward Rey Martinez - North Carolina FC
- Silverbacks Look to Rebound Against Rhinos - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Whitecaps And Sounders Stalemate at 0-0 - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Sounders Draw With Vancouver 0-0 - Seattle Sounders
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.
