Whitecaps Clinch Playoff Berth With Victory, Baltimore's Scoring Drought Extends to Five Games

September 11, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore returned to Paul Angelo Russo Stadium to start their final homestand of the season Saturday evening, but the visiting Whitecaps shut out the home side for a fifth straight match, prevailing by a score of 3-0. Vancouver opened the scoring with a first half stoppage time goal from Greg Janicki, followed by a goal from Randy Edwini-Bonsu in the 70th minute. Terry Dunfield notched the third Vancouver goal with 13 minutes to play.

Palace dominated the final third of the field through the first 20 minutes of play. Five minutes into the match, Dan Lader delivered a nice through ball for Gary Brooks, but the Jamaican's shot missed the far post by mere inches. Three minutes later, Santiago Fusilier's close range effort was well saved by Jay Nolly, but the Vancouver goalkeeper left a rebound for Neto near the top of the box. Unfortunately for Neto, he couldn't control his effort, spraying it well over the bar. On 11 minutes, Mathew Mbuta showed his flashy skills by running through the Whitecaps defense, leaving him unopposed against the goalkeeper. Mbuta's cheeky chip shot had to be tipped over the crossbar by a sprawling Nolly.

The Whitecaps finally broke through with an attempt on target after 24 minutes, but Martin Nash's strike from 30 yards missed wide of the right post. Vancouver had another quality opportunity just past the half-hour mark, as Jonathan McDonald directed a pass on to Randy Edwini-Bonsu. From 15 yards, Bonsu took a crack, but his shot found the wrong side of the left post.

With two minutes to play in the first half, both sides had clear-cut chances to put the game's first goal on the scoreboard. McDonald found himself on the receiving end of a corner kick, but only managed to put his header on the roof of Evan Bush's net. Palace responded with a charge at Vancouver's net, as Brooks and Mbuta flew down the pitch. Mbuta's close effort had to be shrugged off by Nolly, and seconds later, Brooks' header missed the target. The Whitecaps took the lead in stoppage time, as Philippe Davies found Greg Janicki, who flicked the ball at Bush. The Baltimore netminder could only get a touch on it, as the ball trickled over the goal line, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

The second half began in a similar fashion for the home side, as they dominated possession in the Vancouver end, but multiple shots and set pieces were unable to find the back of Nolly's net. Baltimore had an appeal for a penalty denied in the 64th minute, as Mathew Mbuta appeared to be taken down inside the box. Only a corner was given to the hosts, who were again unable to get a break. Paul Robson's shot was blocked, and the resulting loose ball went over the end line for a goal kick.

Vancouver took a two-goal lead with 20 minutes to play, as Edwini-Bonsu tucked home a loose rebound past Bush. Seven minutes later, Terry Dunfield picked up his first goal of the season after eluding several Palace defenders on a nice run up the right side. His low, hard shot beat the diving Bush for Vancouver's third goal of the contest. Substitute Cody Arnoux nearly netted a fourth goal for the visitors, as he broke free from the Baltimore defense, but Bush was able to scoop up the loose ball.

In the 87th minute, Baltimore was terribly unlucky not to get a consolation goal against substitute netminder Simon Thomas. Adrian Bumbut's shot from just outside the 18-yard area hit the far post, rebounding straight to Mbuta. Mbuta's immediate reply struck the crossbar before bouncing back into play.

Even with an impressive 18-10 advantage in shots during the match, the hosts could not break their five-game scoreless drought, which extends to nearly 500 consecutive minutes of play. Baltimore (6-15-6) has been outscored 16-0 during that span. Vancouver officially clinched a playoff berth with the victory. The Whitecaps (10-3-14) sit atop the NASL Conference with three games to play.

Baltimore faces the Carolina RailHawks for the final time in 2010 on Saturday, September 18th. Kickoff at Paul Angelo Russo Stadium is scheduled for 5:00 pm.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 11, 2010


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.

OurSports Central