Whitecaps win 3-2
June 11, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
Overview:
The Whitecaps grabbed a win over Portland in the most dramatic fashion, scoring deep into injury time just moments after the Timbers had themselves netted a stunning equaliser. The Timbers had battled back from 2-0 down to level the score two minutes into injury time on a world-class strike by Edwin Miranda. But then Steve Klein headed in the winner with only seconds left in the game, sending the huge crowd into a frenzy.
Alfredo Valente and Martin Nash had given Vancouver a well-deserved first-half 2-0 lead with goals just a minute apart. The Caps remain unbeaten at home in ten games, dating back to last August
The win improves Vancouver's record to 5W-1L-2T for 18 points, moving them a point up on Montreal and into second place in the USL First Division. The Caps trail the Richmond Kickers of Virginia by seven points, but have three games in hand. Portland now stands at 4-3-3 for 15 points, and drop behind Vancouver to fourth.
The Whitecaps next four games are on the road, starting Saturday, June 18 away to the Atlanta Silverbacks. Saturday's game can be heard live on TEAM 1040 and kicks off at 2:30pm PT, with the pre-game show starting at 2:00pm. The Caps return home their road trip on Sunday, June 26 to face rivals Seattle. The Whitecaps Women meanwhile host the Denver Lady Cougars on Saturday, June 11 in a 7:00pm start at Swangard.
Scoring Summary:
39' Vanc Alfredo Valente (PK)
Valente in front tried to get up for Steve Klein's cross from the left, but was fouled by midfielder Aaron Heinzen for a penalty. Valente took it himself and fired it hard into the left side of goal, for his first of the season.
40' Vanc Martin Nash
Nash regained possession on the left wing, dribbled in to the top of the area, and after a couple of fakes, drilled a hard 20-yarder beyond the keeper's grasp for his first of the season.
78' Port Tom Poltl (Dan Antoniuk)
A scramble in the Whitecaps penalty area as Antoniuk to the right of goal laid it square to Poltl (pronounce PO-tel) who first-timed it in from eight yards.
90'+ Port Edwin Miranda
Miranda scored an incredible equaliser two minutes into injury time with a first time 30-yard blast.
90'+ Vanc Steve Klein (Ryan Trout)
Great moves by Trout at the right edge of the box as he twisted and turned before firing a perfect cross for Klein to head in a dramatic winner. It was Klein's second goal of the season. Trout had only come into the game at 86', ironically in more of a defensive role to help protect the lead.
Game Notes:
The Whitecaps were buzzing early and had chances at 10' on a blast by Alfredo Valente that was blocked right in front, and a 25-yard shot by Martin Nash that was well saved.
Vancouver almost opened scoring at 30', as Steve Klein's crisp cross from the right was powered over the bar by the head of Valente.
The Caps looked to be in trouble at 61' when Tom Poltl beat the offside and lead a 3-on-1 break, but his weak shot from outside the box was easily stopped by Mike Franks. Back the other way, a powerful header by Martin Nash ping-ponged off the keeper and a defender in front and went just over the bar.
This is the most goals Vancouver has given up this season.
This was Jeff Clarke's 100th career game, Mike Franks 50th, and Geordie Lyall's 100th career start.
Vancouver's last home loss was August 15, 2004, 1-0 to Seattle.
In a pre-game ceremony, several dozen Whitecap and 86ers alumni were piped out onto the track to help honour the memory of all-time scoring hero Domenic Mobilio, and long-time equipment manager Jock MacDonald. Two new team trophies were unveiled, the Domenic Mobilio Golden Boot and the Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero award.
USL First Division Stories from June 11, 2005
- Kickers and Silverbacks Battle To A 1-1 Draw - Richmond Kickers
- Whitecaps win 3-2 - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Lynx defeated in Rochester - Toronto Lynx
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