Win Over Minnesota Moves Caps Close To Playoffs
Published on August 20, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Whitecaps Men finally put an end to their seven game winless streak, with a lively 2-1 win over the visiting Minnesota Thunder to move ever closer to clinching a playoff spot. The Player of the Game was Jason Jordan who tallied a goal and an assist, while Carlo Corazzin scored the game winner. Mike Franks had the start in goal.
Vancouver can clinch a playoff spot in several ways, including earning at least a tie in their final game against Milwaukee, Seattle dropping three points in their two remaining games, a loss or a tie by Milwaukee in any of their three remaining games, or six points dropped by Minnesota in their four remaining games.
The Whitecaps record improves to 13-9-5 for 44 points, as they remain in second place in the West. Minnesota drop to 11-9-4 for 37 points and are tied with Milwaukee for fourth.
The Caps close out the regular season at home to the Milwaukee Wave United on Friday, August 27, and could all but lock up second place in the West with a win.
Game Notes
Vancouver came out gunning from the start, with a diving header from Carlo Corazzin at 3' that produced a good one-handed reaction save from keeper Joe Warren. Corazzin was again denied by the keeper at 29', as Warren did well to parry a 15-yard blast. At the other end, Mike Franks made a good diving save to stop a header from Dave Castellanos.
Minnesota had their share of possession in the second half, but couldn't break down the Vancouver defence, as all the best scoring chances went to the Caps. Alfredo Valente fired a powerful dipping shot from 28 yards at 53' that Joe Warren needed all of his 6'5" frame to grab. Warren had to be sharp again at 72' to stop a low blast from Martin Nash, who half-volleyed a high dropping ball from 25 yards. Then at 75' the keeper denied Alfredo Valente on a powerful shot from 16 yards on the right.
Jason Jordan moves into first place in team scoring with 6 goals and 4 assists for 16 points.
Steve Kindel made his 150th career start, while Carlo Corazzin made his 50th.
This result gives Portland first place in the West, as Minnesota was the only remaining team that could catch them.
Vancouver's first chance to clinch a playoff spot on an out-of-town result is Sunday, when Seattle host the Puerto Rico Islanders. A Sounders loss would mean they could no longer catch Vancouver.
In other action Thursday night, the Milwaukee Wave United kept the pressure on in the playoff race, with a 6-2 home win over Edmonton FC.
Scoring Summary
11' Vanc Jason Jordan (Martin Nash) Nash's low corner from the right was neatly dummied by Nick Dasovic at the edge of the goal area, allowing Jordan to redirect it in from 3 yards in front. It was Jordan's sixth goal of the season.
22' Minn John Menyongar (PK) Referee Paul Ward awarded a penalty kick after an innocuous looking push by Alfredo Valente. Menyongar fired it low down the middle, past Mike Franks.
35' Vanc Carlo Corazzin (Jason Jordan) Good work by Jordan 15 yards out to the right of goal to battle to keep possession and get a shot away. It deflected off a defender and rolled to the left post, where Carlo Corazzin ran in and slotted it past goalkeeper Joe Warren from 4 yards, for his 5th of the season.
USL First Division Stories from August 20, 2004
- Timbers second round playoff tickets on sale Monday - Portland Timbers
- Win Over Minnesota Moves Caps Close To Playoffs - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Best in the West: Timbers wrap up Western Conference title with 5-0 win - Portland Timbers
- Second half explosion ignites Wave to 6-2 win over Edmonton - Milwaukee Wave United
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.
