BURNABY, B.C. — Two late goals by Charles Gbeke gave the Vancouver Whitecaps a 2-0 home victory over Miami FC in United Soccer League action Sunday.
Vancouver's win ended a six-game winless streak and eanred the team three valuable points, as the 'Caps (8-9-7) moved six points clear of their Florida rivals for the final playoff spot in the USL First Division standings.
Miami, meanwhile, remain out the USL-1 playoff picture in eighth place with a 7-12-4 record.
With the scoreless match edging towards the dying stages, the winning goal finally came from the head of Whitecaps striker Gbeke on 80 minutes. Gordon Chin's high cross from the right saw the former Montreal Impact forward direct a looping header on target. The header caught Miami 'keeper Pat Hannigan off his goal line before flying over his head and into the back of the net for a 1-0 Vancouver lead. It was Gbeke's eighth goal of the year.
During added time the speedy Randy Edwini-Bonsu beat Miami captain John Pulido down the left sideline before breaking in clear on goal. With Gbeke rushing up to support him, the young substitute unselfishly laid the ball off to his strike partner, who duly converted the chance with right foot for his second goal of the match in front of 5,288 at Swangard Stadium.
The Whitecaps will next host the Rochester Rhinos at Swangard on Saturday night.
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