Whitecaps fall 2-0 to Charleston
Published on June 19, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Whitecaps dropped their second game in as many days, falling 2-0 to the Charleston Battery, as the Caps hit the midway point of a difficult four-game road trip. The Whitecaps had their chances to score, especially in the second half as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but an insurance marker at 66' by Jesus Martinez dampened the comeback bid, and the Battery were able to run out the game.
With the loss, Vancouver's record falls to 5-3-2 for 17 points; still good enough for third place, but now tied on points with 5-6-2 Charleston, though Vancouver has three games in hand. The Whitecaps trail second-place Portland by a point and still have two games in hand on the Timbers.
The Whitecaps will try to turn it around on Wednesday when they visit the 3-4-3 Puerto Rico Islanders. They then return to the West Coast for a home-and-home clash with the Seattle Sounders, with games Saturday, June 25 at Qwest Field, and then Sunday, June 26 at Swangard.
Scoring Summary:
21' Char Usiel Vasquez
A Charleston attack resulted in good pressure, and ended with Vasquez firing in from a tight angle in close. It was the rookie striker's third goal in as many games.
67' Char Jesus Martinez (Troy Lesesne)
Lesesne led a Charleston counter-attack, and though his centring pass missed Greg Simmonds it ran to Martinez who cracked it in.
Game Notes:
Whitecaps coach Bob Lilley made six changes to the starting line-up from Saturday's loss in Atlanta, including the debut of newly signed defender Josue Mayard and the first start this season for winger Ryan Trout and forward Davide Xausa. (Chris Franks, Alfredo Valente, and Carlo Corazzin all starting were the other three changes)
It wasn't till the second half that the Caps seriously tested goalkeeper Chris Doyle. Ryan Trout cracked a hard shot from an angle at 50' that was right at the keeper. Alfredo Valente tried his luck from outside the box at 57', but Doyle was equal to it. The best chance came at 60' as Jason Jordan got behind the defence, broke in alone, and lifted his shot over the keeper, but the ball skimmed the top of the crossbar.
The insertion of forwards Jason Jordan and Joey Gjertsen at 54' significantly improved Vancouver's attacking play. Gjertsen almost got Vancouver on the board at 75' as he used his pace to pull clear of his marker, and broke in on goal, but the keeper stopped his shot and covered up the rebound. A minute later, Jordan headed the ball just over the net after receiving a good cross by Dave Morris.
Steve Kindel subbed on at the hour-mark to run his consecutive game streak to 46.
Defender Mark Watson, a former Battery player who has been out injured, came on in the final ten minutes for his first action of the season.
This was Vancouver's first ever visit to Charleston. The Caps had defeated the Battery 4-0 at Swangard on May 15, with Jason Jordan scoring all four goals.
The Whitecaps have a tie and three losses in four road games so far.
USL First Division Stories from June 19, 2005
- Whitecaps fall 2-0 to Charleston - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Charleston downs Vancouver to win third straight - Charleston Battery
- Lady Lynx suffer first loss - Toronto Lynx
- Whitecaps lose 3-2 to Atlanta on the Road - Vancouver Whitecaps
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