Whitecaps Draw Fusion 2-2
Published on May 18, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps women opened their W-League season with a dramatic 2-2 tie against the expansion Ventura County Fusion, Saturday night at Swangard Stadium. All the goals came in the final 12 minutes of a see-saw match, as the Whitecaps took the lead through Jonelle Filigno, then threw it away, and then battled back for a dramatic injury-time equalizer by defender Emily Zurrer.
This is very much a new-look Whitecaps for 2008, and new in more ways than one. This game saw nine teenagers in the Vancouver starting eleven, and six more on the bench. Despite their youth, the starters included a good deal of both W-League and international experience, with several current members of the Canadian national team. With plenty of attacking options, Whitecaps coach Bob Birarda opted for an offensive-minded 4-3-3 formation. Seven players made their Whitecaps debut as the match kicked off, with Jonelle Filigno and Julie Armstrong up front, Monica-Lam Feist in midfield, Allysha Chapman, Shannon Woeller, and Lexi Marton on defence, and former Ottawa Fury star Erin McNulty in goal.
Both teams had chances in the opening minutes, but failed to get their shots on target. Monica-Lam Feist sent shots wide of the mark at minutes six and seven, while at the other end, Emily Wynne had several shots, including a 19th minute effort that went over the bar.
The Whitecaps pace on the flanks cause the visitors problems, with 17-year-old forward Jonelle Filigno, a rising star with the Canadian national team, looking dangerous on the left, and 19-year-old Jodi-Ann Robinson, also of the national team, positioned wide right. It was Robinson who had Vancouver's best chance of the first half, as on 41 minutes veteran Tiffeny Milbrett flicked the ball ahead neatly for Robinson to chase. Her speed took her past the last defender, but her aim let her down, as she fired the ball wide to the left. That was a common problem for the Whitecaps in the first half as two minutes later Milbrett also shot wide left after good work by Filigno down the right to set her up. It was scoreless at the break, with both teams having had chances.
Vancouver brought on two more new signings at the interval: midfielders Tina Romagnuolo and Chelsea Stewart. Ventura County almost opened scoring on minute 63, and again it was Emily Wynne as she won the ball at the top of the area and forced a good save from 'Caps goalkeeper McNulty with a quick shot.
USL First Division Stories from May 18, 2008
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- Impact Plays Home Opener At Saputo Stadium Monday Against Vancouver - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks Tie Thunder 0-0 - North Carolina FC
- Timbers Pick Up Fifth Shutout In 0-0 Draw In Miami - Portland Timbers
- Whitecaps Draw Fusion 2-2 - Vancouver Whitecaps
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