Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release - www.whitecapsfc.com
Friday, May 18, 2012
LANGLEY, B.C. - On a cool, beautiful Friday evening at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park, Vancouver Whitecaps FC fell 1-0 in its W-League home opener against an inspired Colorado Rush. The result gave Colorado its first win against the 'Caps.
The game got off to a tentative start amidst the thunderous cheers of the 1,210 Whitecaps faithful. Vancouver maintained a firm grip on possession until the five-minute mark, with the first shot forcing a strong save from ‘Caps goalkeeper Gurveen Clair, who parried the high shot from the top left corner after it was delivered from Brittany Bock.
Such was the storyline right through the 10-minute mark, as Colorado gained momentum, resulting in a low shot to Clair’s bottom corner that forced a save and subsequent corner kick. This time it was right winger Demi Stokes who made the save, as her goalline-clearing header was crucial in preventing a go-ahead goal 11 minutes in from the set piece. The ‘Caps were again caught on their heels in defence, as Kendall Johnson provided width up the left flank for Colorado and squared a ball for striker Danica Evans but her point blank shot was well saved by Clair on 12 minutes.
The Rush finally pounced on 13 minutes, Danica Evans was given too much space in the final third and let loose a high rocket past a diving Clair to give her side the early 1-0 lead.
Colorado looked to be in inspired form for the evening, as their high-pressure play was constantly hindering the creative play of the Whitecaps in all areas, whilst also testing the defensive focus of Vancouver.
At the 34th minute, the home side got a sniff at goal when Kaylyn Kyle took a page from Colorado’s book and ran through a gap at centre field, setting up a ball to Desiree Scott who nearly chipped the 'keeper, but Colorado successfully defended the lead.
The Whitecaps began to illustrate the fighting spirit that was on display in their opener at Victoria, as the final five minutes of the first half was filled with attack and tenacity, often resulting in fouls for both sides. In the end, Colorado was up to the task and defended their first half lead.
It was at the 10-minute mark of the second half when Colorado lived up to their name, as a rushed throw-in sent Evans on a run down the left wing, with the goalscorer coolly cutting back and firing at goal only to see the eventual rebound fired high.
Vancouver received some much-needed momentum at the 80-minute mark, with the fans at full blast as the team carried possession towards Colorado. The visitors kept up their counterattack however, notching another deadly strike in the 87th minute from Briana Campos, with the rebound nearly converted by Sidney Szabo.
The ‘Caps kept their never-say-die attitude right until the 90th minute, with a last-ditch headed effort from Danielle Johnson perfectly connected towards goal, but Colorado’s Canadian 'keeper Dayle Colpitts made a superb catch to deny an equalizer.
Following the match, 'Caps head coach Jesse Symons offered some encouraging words for his side following the gritty performance.
“We kept building as the game wore on and unfortunately just couldn’t find the back of the net," he said. "For the most part we had a good run of play, but we’ll just have to keep building. Defensively we were very solid in the second half and we’ll definitely look at that as a positive. The crowd support was fantastic and we really appreciate all the support we got and how much it pushed the players."
Next up for Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a Pacific Northwest tilt against rivals Seattle Sounders next Sunday, May 27, at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam. Kickoff time is 4 p.m. PT. For schedule and ticket information, visit www.whitecapsfc.com or contact Hugh Hamilton at 778-330-1360.