Whitecaps, Highlanders Finish Tied

Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release - www.whitecapsfc.com

Sunday, July 8, 2012

RICHMOND, BC - On a beautiful sunny afternoon at Minoru Park Oval in Richmond, BC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Victoria Highlanders FC played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the 'Caps final home match of the season. Brandi Vega's 53rd minute goal for the Whitecaps cancelled out Nina Anderson's earlier strike for Victoria.

Vancouver applied some early offensive pressure but Victoria was able to weather the storm. The best chance came 22 minutes in off of a Danielle Johnson cross that found Demi Stokes at the edge of the six-yard box. Unfortunately for the ‘Caps left back, her volley went straight into the hands of Victoria goalkeeper Tanya Jones.

The Highlanders opened the scoring for the visitors against the run of play. Off a Liz Hansen corner, defender Nina Anderson rose above the ’Caps defence and put the ball past goalkeeper Gurveen Clair on 38 minutes.

The Blue and White had a chance to draw even just before the half. Johnson surged down the right flank and put a shot on goal that caused problems for Jones. Striker Mele French desperately tried to get a boot on the loose ball but the Highlanders were able to clear the danger.

Whitecaps FC got the second half started in fine fashion as Washington State product Brandi Vega chipped in a loose ball past Jones and into the back of the net to even the score in the 53rd minute. The goal was Vega’s first of the season and first as a member of Whitecaps FC.

‘Caps captain Jenney Jeffers had the best chance to put Vancouver ahead at 76 minutes. However, her header sailed just wide of the far post.

In total the ‘Caps outshot Victoria 30-5 and forced Jones to make 14 saves.

Whitecaps FC will now wrap-up their season with a trip to the Rocky Mountain state. On Friday, July 13, the ‘Caps visit the Colorado Rush and two days later, on Sunday, July 15, the ’Caps play Colorado Rapids to finish off their 2012 season.