Whitecaps FC Tie Puerto Rico
Published on August 31, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
BAYAMON, PUERTO RICO - Vancouver Whitecaps remain level on points with USL First Division leaders Puerto Rico Islanders after a well-contested 1-1 draw in the Caribbean on Sunday evening.
Takashi Hirano's first-ever goal for the Whitecaps earned Vancouver a share spoils in Bayamon, as the league's top two clubs went head-to-head in the first of two pivotal clashes in Puerto Rico this week. The Japanese defender's exquisite free kick strike late in the match canceled out Kendell Jagdeosingh's opportunistic opening goal midway through the second half at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, as the Whitecaps took their unbeaten league run to six matches.
The draw leaves both clubs level at the top of the standings on 46 points with a record of 13 wins, six defeats, and seven draws. The Islanders remain in top spot in USL-1, however, as they have superior goal difference over Vancouver.
Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson made three changes to the side that started last Wednesday's 2-0 home win over Atlanta Silverbacks. Geordie Lyall returned to the starting line-up in place of Luca Bellisomo at right fullback, while captain Jeff Clarke replaced the injured Wesley Charles at centre back. The experienced Steve Kindel, meanwhile, replaced youngster Mason Trafford in central midfield.
With early evening sunshine piercing through the stands at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, recent wet conditions in Puerto Rico had taken its toll on the state of the pitch, as both sets of players found the footing a bit treacherous at times in the opening half.
Playing in their away kit of all blue, the Whitecaps created the better opportunities in the first half, with Alfredo Valente unfortunate not to hit the target with a first-time shot from Hirano's cross from the left on 12 minutes.
The Islanders, who were in their change colours of green and black, looked to attack Vancouver through the central areas, but they struggled to create any real openings before the break. On 22 minutes, striker Jagdeosingh struck a low shot that rolled easily into the arms of Whitecaps goalkeeper Jay Nolly.
It was the visitors that looked the more likely to break the deadlock, but Islanders goalkeeper Bill Gaudette was equal to goal-bound efforts from Sebrango on 34 minutes and Nicholas Addlery's fine header from another Hirano cross a few minutes later.
At the other end, the attacking quality was not of the same standard from Puerto Rico in the first half, as they squandered a number of set-piece opportunities in and around the Whitecaps box. On 38 minutes, a good piece of defending from Lyle Martin saw the right-sided midfielder block Cristian Arrieta's ambitious bicycle kick effort away for a corner after an Islanders free kick from the right reached the defender at the far post.
There were chances at both ends before the break, with Gaudette saving a low Valente strike on 44 minutes before Puerto Rico midfielder Jonny Steele struck a shot wide of Nolly's goal, as both sides went to their respective dressing rooms tied at 0-0.
Complete match report - www.whitecapsfc.com/schedule/match08310802.aspx.
USL First Division Stories from August 31, 2008
- Knox Keeps Thunder in Game, Earn One Point from 1-1 Draw at Miami - Minnesota Thunder
- Whitecaps FC Tie Puerto Rico - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Minnesota scores with one minute to go to tie a hard-fought game 1-1 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Sounders set for Matchup with San Jose Earthquakes - Seattle Sounders
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