MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Opens Preseason with 1-1 Draw

Published on February 6, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


CASA GRANDE, AZ - Playing their first preseason match of the 2012 preseason, Vancouver Whitecaps FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders FC at Grande Sport World in Casa Grande, Arizona, on Monday afternoon.

In what was their first spell of competitive action since the start of preseason training two weeks ago, Whitecaps FC took the lead in the opening seconds of the friendly contest through last season's top goalscorer Camilo Sanvezzo. Seattle earned the draw early in the second period of play, as midfielder Servando Carrasco equalized just after the break. While there were further chances at both ends, these two Cascadia Cup rivals had to settle for a stalemate on a warm and sunny winter's day in The Grand Canyon State.

With Monday's training match coming in the early stages of preseason for both Major League Soccer clubs, Vancouver and Seattle agreed to an extended 120-minute match that included two periods of 45 minutes, plus an additional period of 30 minutes after that. The format allowed the "˜Caps and Sounders FC to play a different line-up in each of the three periods of play, as both coaching staffs took a closer look at their respective training camp rosters in competitive action.

The first 45 minutes saw both sides play their strongest line-ups, with Whitecaps FC making an explosive start to the match from the opening kickoff. Just 35 seconds in, Atiba Harris set up fellow striker Camilo to give Vancouver an early 1-0 lead.

The first-minute goal livened proceedings among both sides in the first 45-minute period, as the match referee issued yellow cards to Harris and "˜Caps teammate Martin Bonjour, while former Vancouver centre back Jeff Parke was booked for Seattle. The last chance of the first period fell to Whitecaps FC striker Eric Hassli, but the Frenchman's low shot was tipped around the post by Seattle's Austrian international goalkeeper Michael Gspurning.

Following the first break and a first change of line-ups, Seattle levelled matters from a "˜Caps turnover, as David Estrada set up Carrasco to beat Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Brad Knighton from close range for a 1-1 scoreline on 48 minutes.

The second 45-minute period was evenly contested, with Vancouver creating chances through youngster Omar Salgado. In fact, the United States youth international's shot in the 88th-minute found the back of the net after deflecting off his teammate Floyd Franks. However, Franks was in an offside position and the goal was called back.

Following a second break and a second change of line-ups, Whitecaps FC's third-period XI had opportunities to win the match, with midfielder Michael Nanchoff forcing Sounders FC goalkeeper Bryan Meredith into a fine save from his free-kick strike on 113 minutes, while Residency product Caleb Clarke struck a shot over the crossbar in the Seattle box six minutes later. There was also a red card to Sounders FC's Jason Banton for a late challenge, but both clubs agreed to allow Carrasco to replace him to see out the dying stages of the game with even numbers.

Whitecaps FC will continue training at Grande Sport World throughout the remainder of this week before facing MLS Western Conference rivals Real Salt Lake in their second training match of preseason on Friday morning. Kickoff from Casa Grande, Arizona, is set for 10 a.m. PT.

Whitecaps FC 2012 Major League Soccer season tickets start at $329, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including loge seats and suites, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 6, 2012


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