Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release - www.whitecapsfc.com
Friday, June 22, 2012
SURREY, B.C. - On a rainy Friday night in Surrey, BC, in front of 705 fans, Vancouver Whitecaps FC earned a crucial three points as it captured a 2-0 victory over Santa Clarita Blue Heat. The victory now gives the Blue and White a total of eight points this season.
Santa Clarita carried the majority of the play in the early minutes of the match. The best chance for the Blue Heat came off a free kick from 25 yards out on 14 minutes when Whitecaps FC defender Shannon Woeller committed a foul. Santa Clarita defender Sydney Vermillion’s free kick went off the crossbar for the Blue Heat’s best chance in the half.
The Blue and White had two close calls in the first half. On 35 minutes, Woeller headed a Mele French corner kick just over the crossbar. The ‘Caps got another glorious offensive opportunity towards the end of the first half on 43 minutes when forward Jenna Richardson sent French on a breakaway. French’s shot sailed just high.
Whitecaps FC got off to a great start in the second half as central midfielder Molly Rouse put a perfect through ball past the Blue Heat back four right onto the foot of French. French who was denied in the first half, made sure to bury her shot to make it 1-0 for the ‘Caps on 49 minutes.
The Blue Heat were determined to leave Surrey with at least one point for their efforts, but ‘Caps keeper Gurveen Clair shut down the Santa Clarita attack for the clean sheet. The best chance for the Blue Heat came off a strike from 20 yards out, but Clair was up to the task.
‘Caps midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki put the game out of reach with a beautiful strike from 30 yards out to make the score 2-0 for the Blue and White. Sawicki stole a loose ball from Santa Clarita and sailed it over the keeper into the back of the net.
The 'Caps have a short turnaround as they take to the pitch on Sunday afternoon, June 24, at 12 p.m. PT to face Pali Blues at Kinsmen Stadium in North Vancouver, BC.
For schedule and ticket information, visit whitecapsfc.com or contact Hugh Hamilton at 778-330-1360.