Whitecaps tie the Richmond Kickers 1-1
August 15, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Whitecaps had to settle for a 1-1 tie at home to the Richmond Kickers from Virginia, in a game that featured a highlight reel goal at either end. Ian Fuller volleyed the Caps into a second-half lead, but an equally impressive strike by Richmond's Tim Brown just three minutes later equalised the score.
Despite a wide edge in possession and chances, including a first-half penalty kick by midfielder Steve Klein that was saved, Vancouver couldn't find the winning goal that would have lifted them from fifth place to third. Instead, the Caps now sit at 9-4-9 for 36 points, tied with the Seattle Sounders in fourth spot. Richmond goes to 10-7-7 for 37 points, and move to third, although Vancouver and Seattle both have two games in hand on the Kickers.
Vancouver's next game is Saturday, August 20 at home to the Minnesota Thunder in a 7:00pm start at Swangard Stadium.
Scoring Summary:
64' Vanc Ian Fuller (Dave Morris)
Morris headed the ball on to Fuller who volleyed a screamer from 14 yards in off the keeper's hands. It was Fuller's second goal of the season.
67' Rich Tim Brown
Brown ripped a shot from 33 yards that found the bottom right corner of the net, beyond the reach of a diving Mike Franks.
Game Notes:
Richmond's best chance of the first half was a low shot from Chris Carrieri from the edge of the area at 22' that Mike Franks went to ground to save.
Vancouver had a great chance to open scoring, when at 34' referee Mauricio Navarro awarded a penalty kick after Richmond defender Kevin Knight tripped midfielder Ian Fuller. Steve Klein fired the spot kick low and slightly to the right, with goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale stopping it with his legs.
The Caps applied steady pressure after the penalty miss, including a first-timer from Joey Gjertsen that was blocked at 35' and a blast from Jason Jordan that flew over the bar at 36'.
Before his goal, Richmond's Tim Brown had another blast from range at the hour mark, which was parried by Mike Franks.
Substitute Alfredo Valente was sent in on goal by Jason Jordan at 83', but the keeper came out and blocked Valente's 15-yard effort.
Steve Kindel got the start, to run his consecutive games played streak to 58.
Captain Jeff Clarke sat out the game due to a suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
Vancouver wins the season series against Richmond at a win and a tie.
That could be important in the final standings, as head-to-head results are the league's first tiebreakers.
Vancouver remains unbeaten at home, at 7-0-4, the best home record in the league.
The Whitecaps magic number to make the playoffs is 13 points.
Jason Jordan remains in sole possession of the First Division scoring lead, with 13 goals and three assists for 29 points, four points up on Atlanta's Fabian Dawkins.
Nine is the most ties ever in a season for Vancouver. The previous high was seven in 2003.
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USL First Division Stories from August 15, 2005
- Mariners Host Richmond Kickers In Last Minute Friendly Match - Virginia Beach Mariners
- Whitecaps tie the Richmond Kickers 1-1 - Vancouver Whitecaps
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