Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release - www.whitecapsfc.com
Saturday, May 28, 2011
CHILLIWACK, B.C. - Vancouver Whitecaps FC women recorded their third consecutive shutout win Friday night as they downed the previously undefeated Colorado Rush of Denver, 3-0, in Chilliwack. An exuberant crowd at Exhibition Stadium was treated to a fine display by the 'Caps as Tiffany Weimer scored twice, while newcomer Alysha Bonnick also found the net on her debut.
Coach Hubert Busby Jr. made several adjustments to his starting lineup. Left fullback Erica Campanelli made her Whitecaps FC debut, while in midfield, Tina Romagnuolo got her first start after having come off the substitutes bench the past two games. Up front, veteran Canadian Amy Vermeulen got her first start of the season.
The home side started brightly. Just eight minutes in, a low 25-yard blast from Weimer was stopped by Colorado goalkeeper Krissy Tribbett. The rebound was claimed by speedy Jen Stoltenberg, but cutout by the Rush defence.
Back the other way, Stoltenberg turned well in the box on the right and her square ball found Weimer. Her first-time shot, though, was too close to Tribbett, who got down well to make the stop.
However, Weimer wasn't to be denied. With five minutes left in the half, she got on the end of a great through pass from Krista Kruse who had pushed forward, and from an angle to the right calmly rolled the ball past the onrushing keeper and inside the far post to put Whitecaps FC up 1-0 at the interval.
Early in the second half, Stoltenberg burst in on a partial breakaway, but Rush defender Kellyn Farrell did well to get a foot on the shot, deflecting it just enough to send it wide of the near post.
On 64 minutes, Vancouver doubled the lead. Stoltenberg made a nice move in the box on the right, then played it in front for Bonnick to fire in from five yards.
The home side put the match well out of reach with twenty minutes remaining. Weimer, twisting and turning in the box, was taken down by Ameera Abdullah, and referee Karine Busse pointed to the spot. Weimer took the penalty kick herself, and while Tribbett got a hand to the ball, she couldn't stop it from crossing the line as the ‘Caps put the game out of reach. It was Weimer's team-leading fourth goal, in just her third game.
After the match, coach Busby praised his talented midfield star, saying "Tiffany has the ability to unlock a pass in the final third and get into good scoring opportunities. She created opportunities and obviously she scores them, and that's one of the reasons we brought her in."
Vancouver improve to 3-0-0, while the Rush fall to 2-1-0.
Whitecaps FC would like to thank the fine work of Chilliwack FC who hosted the match.
The 'Caps now head off on a California road trip for three games in the Los Angeles area, starting Wednesday June 1, against Pali Blues. Their next home match is Friday, June 10 against expansion side LA Strikers. That game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Surrey's Newton Athletic Park. The match is part of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series presented by Kia - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League, and is being hosted by Surrey FC Pegasus. Tickets for all home games are available online at www.whitecapsfc.com/wtickets.