Win In Portland Powers Whitecaps To Top Spot
Published on July 3, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Whitecaps Men chalked up a huge 2-0 win in Portland, to overtake the Timbers and move into first place in the Western Conference, stunning the crowd of over 6,000 in attendance at PGE Park.
John Sulentic netted an early winner, scoring his 30th career goal in his 100th career game. Jason Jordan put the game away in the second half. Both goals were tap-ins from in close.
Alex Marques played a strong game in the Vancouver goal, making several big saves to preserve the lead, earning his second shutout of the season. The win moves Vancouver to 8-4-1 on the season for 25 points, while the Timbers fall to 8-5-0 and 24 points.
The Caps return home to face the Edmonton Aviators on Sunday July 4. The Women's Team meanwhile hosts the Arizona Heatwave on Saturday July 3 at Swangard Stadium.
Match Stats Standings and Stats
Game Notes
Portland had brief flurry of chances after Vancouver's opening goal, but couldn't beat Alex Marques who stopped a blast from Jake Sagare at 12' and a close-range effort from A-League scoring leader Alan Gordon at 13'.
Portland had another flurry of chances late in the first half, including a deflected shot from Jake Sagare at 45' that was well saved by Marques.
It was sustained Timbers pressure after the break, with Marques on hand to stop good shots from Scott Benedetti at 51' and Byron Alvarez at 61'. Several other Timbers chances just missed the net, most notably a half-volley from Alvarez in good position that went over the bar. The Whitecaps scored their second goal soon after, and that seemed to take the wind out of Portland's sails.
Vancouver could have extended their lead late in the game as they twice caught Portland on the counter-attack. A Davide Xausa breakaway at 87' was stopped by goalkeeper Josh Saunders, who also stoned substitute Winston Griffiths who got past the last defender on a two-on-one with Jason Jordan.
The Whitecaps have won three straight after a dismal 3-0 loss in Calgary two weeks earlier.
It was Portland's fourth loss in five games, and their third in a row at home. Two of the three home losses were against Vancouver.
Scoring Summary
10' John Sulentic (Alfredo Valente)
Portland failed to clear, allowing Vancouver to pass the ball around deep inside the Timbers penalty area. Jason Jordan fed Valente, who found Sulentic in front for the tap-in. It was Sulentic's third goal of the season, and third in two games.
68' Jason Jordan (Nico Craveiro)
Craveiro's shot was saved by Timbers keeper Josh Saunders, but the rebound fell for Jordan in front who deposited it into the empty goal for his second of the season. The goal came against the run of play.
USL First Division Stories from July 3, 2004
- Kickers earn revenge over Impact in OT - Richmond Kickers
- Battery Loses To Islanders - Charleston Battery
- Impact loses 2-1 in OT - Montreal Impact
- Win In Portland Powers Whitecaps To Top Spot - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Wave United and Sounders battle to 2-2 tie - Milwaukee Wave United
- Whitecaps grab top spot in Western Conference - Portland Timbers
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