Whitecaps Return to Minnesota Tonight
September 4, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC (9W-9L-8D) embark on their final road trip of the regular season when they visit Minnesota Thunder (5W-12L-8D) on Friday evening.
Teitur Thordarson's side are closing in on a spot in the 2009 USL First Division playoffs, with the defending league champions taking a big step towards a postseason berth with an important 3-2 home win over Austin Aztex on Wednesday night. The midweek victory concluded a productive three-match home stand for the Blue and White, as the 'Caps claimed two wins and a draw during their latest spell at Swangard Stadium. Vancouver will look to build on those home results with a challenging two-match road trip to both Minnesota and Montreal Impact. Their first stop is the National Sports Center (NSC) Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota, and a game versus the Thunder, with Donny Gramenz's side in need of wins to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
The Whitecaps have good memories of their last visit to NSC Stadium. In what was his first competitive start for the club on May 2, striker Marlon James scored a hat-trick, as the Whitecaps claimed a 3-2 victory in Minnesota. Vancouver followed that with their biggest victory in exactly four years on July 9, as they defeated the Thunder 4-0 at Swangard. A first-half strike by Lyle Martin set the Whitecaps on their way to an important home win, with Thordarson's side sealing all three points in the second half through a Martin Nash penalty and late strikes by Charles Gbeke and Marcus Haber. The four-goal win was the largest margin of victory in a men's team match since July 9, 2005, when the 'Caps defeated Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers 4-0 at Swangard.
The July victory improved the Whitecaps all-time record versus the Thunder to 21 wins, 10 defeats, and six draws. Vancouver's all-time record in Minnesota, however, is less than favourable at six wins, eight defeats, and three draws. Friday's match will also be the 38th all-time meeting between the 'Caps and Minnesota, with their first encounter coming back in the 1997 season.
WHITECAPS
The scenario for making the playoffs is a simple one for the 'Caps. Wednesday's win over Austin leaves Thordarson's side needing six more points from their last four regular season games to ensure their spot in the postseason.
Though the Aztex showed plenty of spirit in defeat, the Whitecaps first-ever win over Austin provides them with a platform to finish the regular season in positive fashion. "This win leaves us feeling tip top in terms of confidence right now," Whitecaps rookie Wes Knight said after Wednesday's match. "We're facing some hostile environments like Minnesota and Montreal over the next week, so we need every little ounce of confidence that we can get. If we can have a good showing in Minnesota and roll that into our game in Montreal next week, then that will hopefully build momentum towards the playoffs."
Knight, however, is under no illusions of how difficult an opponent the Thunder have been this season, with the 'Caps also facing the challenge of a second match in three days. "The Thunder are a very good team and are going to be tough to beat at their home," said the Easley, South Carolina, native. "With the game on television, Minnesota won't want to be embarrassed, so it's going to be a big challenge for us."
Thordarson has taken a 20-player squad on this two-match road trip, with captain Nash included in the travelling party, despite missing the Austin win with a hamstring problem. James and defender Geordie Lyall are also with the squad after overcoming their recent injury concerns. However, youngster Ethan Gage has stayed behind in Vancouver, having just returned to the club this week after a trial with German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Complete preview: whitecapsfc.com/men/schedule/2009_09_04_at_Minnesota_Thunder.aspx
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