Whitecaps Split Weekend Doubleheader
Published on May 24, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Whitecaps F.C. Men's team suffered their first loss of the season, falling 3-1 to the visiting Portland Timbers. It was Vancouver's second game in as many days, after winning 2-1 in Calgary on Saturday.
Portland were led by 6' 3" rookie striker Alan Gordon who scored twice. Vancouver midfielder Davide Xausa netted his first goal as a Whitecap to open scoring, but the lead lasted only five minutes. The loss drops Vancouver's record to 3-1-1 while the Timbers move into first place in the Western Conference at 4-0-0. Vancouver slips a spot in the West to third.
The Caps next head off on a two-game road trip, playing Wednesday June 2 against the Minnesota Thunder, and then visiting the Milwaukee Wave United on Friday June 4. The Men's next home game is Friday June 11 against the Montreal Impact, while the Women host the Seattle Sounders on Friday May 28.
Game Notes
Xausa almost scored again a minute after his first goal, but Timbers goalkeeper Josh Saunders made a great diving save. Saunders had earlier stopped a low blast from Carlo Corazzin at 12' and then came out to deny Dave Morris breaking in on goal at 13'.
Portland's first goal was against the run of the play, but their second came a minute after goalkeeper Mike Franks made a good save off a header from Byron Alvarez, followed moments later by a shot from Alex Bengard that hit the bar.
This was Portland's first ever win at Swangard, as the Whitecaps previously held a 7-0-1 advantage over the Timbers at home.
The loss ended Vancouver's 19-game undefeated streak dating back to last season. The Whitecaps last official prior loss was also against the Timbers, 3-0 in Portland on July 3, 2003. It was also Vancouver's first official home loss since a 2-1 defeat to Toronto on June 28, 2003.
Elsewhere in the Western Conference Sunday night, the Sounders picked up their first victory of the season as they defeated the winless Calgary Mustangs 5-0 in Seattle.
USL First Division Stories from May 24, 2004
- Whitecaps Split Weekend Doubleheader - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Thunder qualifies for U.S. Open Cup - Minnesota Thunder
- Wave United Weekly - Milwaukee Wave United
- Gordon, Alcaraz-Cuellar keep Timbers undefeated - Portland Timbers
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