Whitecaps Blanked in Tanzania
Published on March 9, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
DAR ES SALAAM - Vancouver Whitecaps FC suffered a 3-0 defeat to Young Africans FC in the opening match of their historic trip to the United Republic of Tanzania on Monday afternoon.
Two goals just before halftime from Jerson Tegete helped the 2008 Tanzanian Premier League champions to the friendly win, which was played in front of more than 12,000 spectators at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Young Africans, who are commonly known in Tanzania as 'Yanga', sealed the win with a third goal midway through the second half from Kenya international midfielder Michael Baraza.
It proved to be a disappointing day for Teitur Thordarson's side, as the Blue and White were forced to play nearly the entire match with ten men after winger Tyrell Burgess was red carded after just two minutes of action. Though they performed well and created chances during the match, the hot conditions were a challenge for the 'Caps, who were playing their first-ever match on the African continent.
Thordarson gave Whitecaps number one Jay Nolly the start in goal versus Yanga, while the Icelandic tactician partnered Wesley Charles with Mason Trafford in the centre of the Whitecaps backline. Strikers Charles Gbeke and Marlon James earned starts up front for the Canadian visitors.
Looking to make a positive start to their set of friendlies in the East African nation, the Whitecaps found themselves down to ten men after Burgess reacted to a strong tackle from his Yanga opponent just two minutes after the kickoff. The match referee deemed the Bermuda international's actions to be worthy of a red card and duly gave the young midfielder his marching orders.
Though a man down, the Whitecaps remained undeterred and created a couple of first-half opportunities through Gbeke. The Canadian international was unfortunate not to convert a cross from strike partner James at close range before the former Montreal Impact forward misfired with another strike in the Yanga box, despite being in a fine goalscoring position.
It was Yanga that broke the deadlock on 44 minutes when striker Tegete finished at the near post after a cross into the Vancouver box. Tegete then doubled Yanga's lead a minute later with a goal of similar fashion to the first, though the Whitecaps felt aggrieved that the goal was not called back for offside.
Complete match report: www.whitecapsfc.com/archive/feature03090904.aspx
USL First Division Stories from March 9, 2009
- Final decision regarding the overall future of Miami FC will be made soon - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Timbers Open Training Camp - Portland Timbers
- Whitecaps Blanked in Tanzania - Vancouver Whitecaps
- RailHawks Unveil "Spread Your Wings" Foundation and New 2009 Kits - North Carolina FC
- Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
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