Whitecaps Women Defeat LA Legends 2-1
Published on June 12, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
AZUSA, CA - Big wins on difficult road trips with patchwork line-ups has become a hallmark of the Vancouver Whitecaps women in recent years, and that tradition continued Wednesday night in Azusa, California, as the 'Caps downed the expansion Los Angeles Legends 2-1 in W-League Western Conference action.
Canadian international striker Amy Vermeulen, making her Whitecaps debut, scored two goals in the first 17 minutes. Los Angeles pulled a goal back late to make it a tense finish, but the Whitecaps held on to remain undefeated on the year and spoil the Legends' first-ever home opener as a W-League club.
Any Vancouver fans in attendance at Azusa Pacific University's Cougar Athletic Stadium would have needed a program for this match, as six players made their Whitecaps debut. This was also the first game in charge for assistant coach Marc Rizzardo, with Bob Birarda away coaching the Canadian U-20 women's national team.
One familiar face was goalkeeper Sian Bagshawe, as the veteran made her first appearance this season since rejoining the squad last week. Newcomers Rachael Pelat and Chelsea Stang lined up on defence alongside Eden Hingwing and German fullback Katrin Schmidt. This was Hingwing's first game for the Whitecaps since 2006, while Schmidt was making only her second W-League appearance. UBC standout Caitlin Davie in midfield was another rookie newcomer, while Saskatoon native Amy Vermeulen - a long-time member of the Ottawa Fury - was a welcome addition to the Whitecaps front line.
Vancouver fans had got a taste of Vermeulen's powerful shooting ability in the 2006 W-League Championships when the Whitecaps hosted and defeated Ottawa in the final. In Los Angeles on Wednesday, the 24-year-old wasted little time demonstrating those same talents, as just four minutes in, she picked up the ball on the left and fired a rocket of a shot past Legends goalkeeper Brittany Massro from 25 yards out.
USL First Division Stories from June 12, 2008
- Timbers earn split with Atlanta - Portland Timbers
- Carolina RailHawks at Puerto Rico Islanders 0:3 - USL-1
- RailHawks lose for second time this season - North Carolina FC
- Juventus Primavera to train at PGE Park in preparation of Saturday's exhibition match with Timbers - Portland Timbers
- Whitecaps look to continue winning ways on road - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Miami FC plays the Carolina RailHawks for the USL-1 Championship on Saturday - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Sounders Face Hollywood United at Starfire in Second Round of Open Cup - Seattle Sounders
- Timbers to Play Top Mexican Club Tigres at PGE Park - Portland Timbers
- The Impact Faces Charleston Friday at Saputo Stadium - Montreal Impact
- Battery heads to Montreal for game versus Impact - Charleston Battery
- Whitecaps Women Defeat LA Legends 2-1 - Vancouver Whitecaps
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
