Whitecaps Handle Lynx
June 26, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Whitecaps Men took a page from Euro 2004 with two dramatic last-minute goals to defeat the visiting Toronto Lynx 3-1. John Sulentic was the hero, scoring twice as well as drawing the penalty for Oliver Heald's 90th minute game-winner from the spot.
The Whitecaps record improves to 7-4-1 for 22 points, as Vancouver moves a point up on the 6-3-3 Minnesota Thunder and into second place in the West, just two points back of Portland. Minnesota were 1-0 overtime losers Friday night in Milwaukee, while 4th place Seattle also lost 1-0 on the road against Atlanta.
Vancouver's next game is the big showdown away to the Portland Timbers, on Friday July 2nd, before returning home to face the Edmonton Aviators on Sunday July 4. The Whitecaps Women meanwhile host the Denver Lady Cougars on Sunday June 27, in a 7pm start at Swangard.
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Whitecaps goalkeeper Alex Marques made a superb save at 20' off a point-blank shot from Lynx midfielder David DiPlacido
Vancouver had a penalty appeal denied at 34' when Toronto defender Adrian Serioux bowled over Jeff Clarke in the box. Clarke was booked for dissent for arguing with the referee over the lack of a call.
Vancouver's best chances of the first half came late: a dangerous cross at 38' from John Sulentic to Alfredo Valente in front was cleared just in time by a defender; a blast from Winston Griffiths went just over the bar at 40'; and a 20-yard shot from Sulentic that drifted wide of the far post.
Vancouver continued to press after the break leading up to the opening goal: a header from Valente that flashed over the bar at 50'; a Valente bicycle kick which went wide at 53'; a curling shot from Sulentic over the bar at 54'; and a quick 10-yard spin-around effort from Dave Morris at 60' that was saved,
After coming off the bench in his first seven games for Vancouver, speedy Jamaican forward Winston Griffiths got his first start, playing up front with Alfredo Valente.
Jason Jordan (red card) and Davide Xausa (accumulated yellows) were both suspended for this game.
The crowd of 4,729 was the largest ever in Vancouver to watch the Lynx play.
Scoring Summary
62' Vanc John Sulentic (Oliver Heald)
Sulentic's first goal of the season was a beauty, as he picked up the feed from Heald on the left side of the box, quickly turned back towards the middle, made space for the shot, and fired a 14-yard laser to the far side, past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Bryheem Hancock.
75' Tor Charles Gbeke
A header from a Toronto player was blocked with the ball bouncing high and dropping to Gbeke who volleyed it in powerfully from 12 yards. Gbeke, who played briefly for Vancouver in seasons past, was a second half substitute.
90' Vanc Oliver Heald (PK)
Toronto defender Andres Arango handled a bouncing ball just inside the area, as John Sulentic tried to go past him. Referee Tiger Liu from Montreal called a penalty kick which Oliver Heald calmly blasted inside the right post for his third goal of the season.
90+' Vanc John Sulentic (Alfredo Valente)
Sulentic led the break, sent it wide to Valente on the right, got the return ball in front and deftly chipped it over the onrushing keeper from 8 yards, for his second of the night and season.
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USL First Division Stories from June 26, 2004
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- Whitecaps Handle Lynx - Vancouver Whitecaps
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