MLS expansion side Vancouver Whitecaps FC win, in their third preseason scrimmage against Columbus Crew at Reach 11 sports complex. Whitecaps have now registered two wins out of three 2011 preseason. Atiba Harris made early roads for Vancouver, but Eddie
Gaven with penalty shot tie the game for Columbus. Match winner goal was executed by 2011 SuperDraft First Pick, Omar Salado.
Trialist goal-keeper Rey Burse made stunning effort to stop a penalty kick in the 30th minute of the play. Second half entrants, Atiba and capped Omar Salgado scored for whitecaps. Caps’ coach Teitur Thordarson appraised the play saying, “it was
a great performance and I am impressed with the form of the team. We looked impossible to beat and had tempo that produced this astonishing performance”.
Caps’ took over the control very early in the match, and tested Ray Burse and his defense artillery. Halfway through the first period, Midfielder Terry Dunfield placed a shot from the edge of the box, on a back-healed pass provided by Davide Chiumiento.
Minutes later, Shea Salinas forced another save from Columbus’ keeper. More chances were produced to score for WhiteCaps by the striker Long Tan and Winger Nizar Khalfan. Centre back Greg Janicki slotted a header on a corner kick from Salinas, that just missed
the net. Chad Marshall placed a header on a free kick from Emmanuel Ekpo, “a chance for Crew’s in the first half”.
Vancouver’s had their best chance in the 41st minute, Salinas was down in the Columbus box for a penalty. It was Chiumiento to take opportunity to score, but the advantage was denied by Burse yet again.
In the second half, Harris and Kyle Porter were in action for the Whitecaps FC. But, Crew’s went in changing the whole lineup. Harris recorded his first goal for Whitecaps, on a pass from Dunfield. Jay Nolly had his first real save in the second half, when
Striker Justin Meram had a shot on target. Jay Nolly brought down Gaven, which gave Crew’s a penalty kick. Midfielder was able to convert, and delivered the equalizer in the 76th minute.
Equivalence did not last long, when the Salgado provided the match winner goal with a cross from left. Vancouver introduced Jay DeMerit and midfielder John Thorrington. Crew’s scorer Eddie Gaven went out as he tweaked his ankle, just before the close of
the play.
This win concluded Vancouver’s training session at Arizona, they were also able to beat their CONCACAF quarterfinalist Real Salt Lake. But fell down to Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC. Crew’s will not take on Seattle in Avondale, Arizona.
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