Whitecaps Look to Tame Rhinos This Saturday
August 27, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC (8W-9L-7D) look to push their way up the USL First Division standings when they host Rochester Rhinos (9W-8L-7D) on Saturday evening.
Teitur Thordarson's side completed a busy week of four matches in nine days last Sunday afternoon with an important 2-0 home win over Miami FC Blues. Two late goals by Charles Gbeke boosted the Blue and White's hopes of securing a playoff spot, as the 'Caps look to defend their USL-1 championship title. The weekend result ended Vancouver's six-match winless streak, though the Whitecaps are now undefeated in their last four league games after claiming a win and three draws.
Having put some much-needed distance between themselves and Miami FC for the last USL-1 playoff spot, the 'Caps have now turned their attentions to leapfrogging the clubs that are immediately in front of them in the standings. This includes their opponents this weekend, with Darren Tilley's Rhinos only three points ahead of Vancouver in fifth place. Saturday's match is the third and final regular season meeting between both clubs, with each side splitting their first two contests. On May 16, the Rhinos recorded their first win in Vancouver since the 1996 season with a 2-1 victory at Swangard, despite being out-shot 23 to four by the home side. The Whitecaps earned a measure of revenge for that defeat by claiming their first regular season win in Rochester since August 7, 1996, after a 3-1 victory on July 31. Two goals by Marlon James and a fine strike by Tyrell Burgess earned the 'Caps all three points in Upstate New York.
Saturday's match will be the 18th all-time meeting between the Whitecaps and Rhinos. The Whitecaps lead the overall series with a record of eight wins, seven defeats, and two draws. At home, Vancouver have recorded five wins, two defeats, and one draw versus the Rhinos.
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