The Vancouver Whitecaps men moved atop the United Soccer Leagues First Division standings for the first time this season with a 1-0 road victory over the Minnesota Thunder on Saturday in Blaine, Minn.
Veteran striker Jason Jordan scored the game's lone goal and goalkeeper Jay Nolly recorded his third straight shutout to help extend the Whitecaps' winning streak to three games. Vancouver has outscored its opposition 4-0 over the span.
Jordan's marker was his second consecutive game-winner and came in the 41st minute after some nice passing by the Whitecaps. Lyle Martin at right fullback fired a low ball up the middle to Eddy Sebrango and he redirected it ahead, where Justin Moose and Jordan were breaking. It ran to Moose on the right, who took it into the box and then slipped it inside to Jordan who calmly controlled it before firing home from eight yards out.
While Minnesota held a 10-2 edge in shots in the second half, the Vancouver goal was rarely in serious danger.
The Caps (6-2-1) have been nearly flawless in their five road games to date, recording four wins, a tie and no goals against. With 19 points, Vancouver sits two points clear of the Charleston Battery (5-2-2).
© The Vancouver Sun 2008
