Vancouver Whitecaps Prospects Women picked up their first win of the PCSL season, as they knocked off the host PSSA Rapids 1-0 in Bellingham, Washington, on Saturday evening.
Strong gusting winds made playing conditions difficult, and neither team was able to generate much in the way of scoring chances. It was, as Whitecaps coach Jesse Symons described it, "a fairly tight game for sure, definitely a midfield battle."
The one clear-cut chance in the game was carved out by the Whitecaps in the 22nd minute, and that was where they got the winning goal. Janine Frazao split open the Rapids defence with a penetrating pass between the left fullback and center back, to put striker Lauren Hamson in on goal. Hamson took a touch and then slotted it into the bottom left corner past the Puget Sound goalkeeper.
Vancouver goalkeeper Stephanie Panozzo, the number three keeper for the Whitecaps women's first team, got the start and had little to do in claiming the shutout. She was helped by a strong defence, which included a new face in Langara College captain and CCAA All-Canadian Daniella Corlazzoli, who was introduced into the squad for this game.
Coach Symons was pleased to have gotten the first win of the season, even if it wasn't the prettiest of games. "Possession-wise, we probably had a 60-40 advantage, and played in their half a lot more," Symons explained, "but we couldn't break down their back four very often."
Next up for the Prospects Wome is a trip to South Surrey Athletic Park on Tuesday night to take on Semiahmoo SC. Then on Sunday, May 25, the Whitecaps will finally get to play their first home game, as they host Kelowna United up at Simon Fraser University.
Whitecaps Prospects Women - starting line-up v PSSA Rapids
Stephanie Panozzo; Brienna Shaw, Melissa Bowen, Janine Frazao, Daniella Corlazzoli; Tessa Meyer, Natalie Boyd, Sarah Fitzsimmons; Lauren Hamson, Nikki Wright, Alicia Tesan
