Whitecaps win away
Published on June 16, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Whitecaps recorded a big 2-1 victory over the Virginia Beach Mariners to kick off a difficult three-game Eastern road trip. Vancouver's scoring came from unlikely sources, as fullback John Jones and winger Jay Alberts both netted their first league goals as Whitecaps. Martin Nash set up both goals, but was not awarded an assist by the home team scorekeeper. It was Vancouver's first road win of the season.
The Whitecaps improve to 4W-1L-6T for 18 points moving them back into second place in the USL First Division standings, just a point back of the 5-0-4 Rochester Raging Rhinos. It was Virginia Beach's first home loss of the season, as they fall to 3-2-4 for 13 points.
The Whitecaps next play two road games in two days, as on Saturday they visit the 2-4-2 Atlanta Silverbacks, and on Sunday are in Charleston to face the 3-3-3 Battery. They then return home for a game Sunday, June 25 against the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Scoring Summary:
28' - Vancouver - John Jones Martin Nash fed John Jones who made a superb run down the left flank, cut inside, and from the edge of the penalty area, curled a brilliant shot into the top right corner. It was the first goal as a Whitecap for the left-sided defender.
57' - Vancouver - Jay Alberts Martin Nash fed a long ball forward which was misplayed by Mariners defender Steve Danbusky, allowing Jay Alberts to go in on a breakaway, and the midfielder slotted it into the corner from the 18 yards for his first of the season.
69' - Virginia Beach - Alan Woods (Leepaul Scroggins) A corner kick found Woods unmarked in the six yard box, and he headed it in.
Game Notes: Whitecaps goalkeeper Tony Caig made two good saves off Mariner's top scorer Greg Simmonds within a minute. At 21', Caig did well to push Simmonds' shot over the bar, and from the ensuing corner kick, Caig stopped and held a crisp header from the big Jamaican striker.
Just two minutes after the Whitecaps opening goal, Jeff Clarke almost doubled Vancouver's lead, but his shot was deflected just wide.
In the second half, Tony Caig again denied Greg Simmonds, as the striker's shot was pegged for the top corner at 51', but Caig did brilliantly to push it over the bar.
Head Coach Bob Lilley was enthused with the result, saying, "It was a great performance by the guys, and was one of our best performances on the road this year or last year. We're playing solid as a team, we're playing well defensively, and giving ourselves chances to win the game, and we're going to do our best to keep it going."
The Whitecaps are undefeated in four games.
Midfielder Martin Nash has played 47 consecutive games, spanning three seasons. He leads the league in assists with four.
Defender Steve Klein has played every minute, 990, for Vancouver this season.
USL First Division Stories from June 16, 2006
- Beavers, Timbers announce finalization of sale to Portland Baseball Investment Group - Portland Timbers
- Miami FC looking to bounce back - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Get The Perfect Father's Day Gift - Seattle Sounders
- USL on Fox Soccer Channel starts Sunday - USL-1
- Miami FC ties 2-2 against Toronto Lynx - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Battery Welcomes Whitecaps - Charleston Battery
- Whitecaps win away - Vancouver Whitecaps
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