Whitecaps tie Sounders
May 23, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
A battle of the league's top two teams ended with honours even as the Whitecaps and Rochester Raging Rhinos fought to an entertaining 0-0 tie. The Caps held the balance of chances on a rain soaked night, but couldn't beat the league's top goalkeeper Scott Vallow. Vancouver however does become the first team to put a dent in Rochester's record, as the Rhinos had won all five of their previous matches coming in.
Goalkeeper Tony Caig recorded his second straight shutout, making three saves on eight shots, and was named the UMBRO Whitecaps Player of the Game. The Caps remain undefeated at 3-0-2 for 11 points and remain in second place in the USL First Division. Rhinos go to 5-0-1 for 16 points, keeping them comfortably in top spot.
The Whitecaps conclude their three-game home stand on Friday, May 26, when they host the Seattle Sounders in a 7:00 p.m. start at Swangard Stadium.
Scoring Summary:
No goals
Game Notes:
Tony Caig made his first big save as a Whitecap at 14', as he dove to stop a 22-yard shot from Rhinos midfielder Greg Howes. Caig was also in good position to stop a diving header from John Ball at 46'.
The greater goalkeeping heroics were performed by Rhinos keeper Scott Vallow. The league's number one made a miraculous reaction save off a point-blank header by Sita-Taty Matondo at 33' after a nice cross by Martin Nash on the left. Vallow had earlier denied Matondo on a quick 20-yard shot at 24', and then made a diving grab to stop a 28-yarder from Joey Gjertsen at 32'.
Rochester also had some luck on their side, as at 58' Alfredo Valente sent a header just over the bar from in close, and then at 65' a looping header from Martin Nash was just barely touched against the crossbar by the keeper.
Whitecaps midfielder Tony Donatelli came off injured in the first half.
Anthony Noreiga subbed on and played defence, with Adrian Cann moving up into midfield.
All six of Rochester's games so far this season have been on the road, while they wait for their new 17,000 seat stadium, PAETAC Park, to open next month.
Midfielder Martin Nash has played 41 consecutive games, spanning three seasons.
Defender Steve Klein has played every minute for Vancouver this season.
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