BURNABY, B.C. — Rochester's Ze Roberto scored a late equalizer as the Vancouver Whitecaps were held to a 1-1 home draw by the Rhinos in USL First Division action on Saturday evening.
Charles Gbeke put the Whitecaps in front midway through the second half.
Saturday's result sees the 'Caps extend their unbeaten run to five matches in USL-1, though the draw keeps them in seventh place and the final playoff spot in the league standings with a record of 8-9-8.
Rochester, meanwhile, extended their winless streak to four games, with the Upstate New York club staying in fifth place in the USL-1 standings at 9-8-8.
As the match neared the midway point of the second half, the Whitecaps claimed the lead on 66 minutes through when Wes Knight's throw-in from the right found Gbeke at the near post. Though he attempted to head it towards goal, the ball inadvertently struck Gbeke's shoulder and flew past Rhinos goalkeeper Tim Melia to give Vancouver the lead.
It was the big striker's fourth goal in three matches and his 10th goal of the year.
The Rhinos levelled matters when Steve Kindel made a run down the left flank before hitting a fine cross towards the far post for Ze Roberto. With the Brazilian in an unmarked position, Ze Roberto mis-connected his header straight into the ground, but fortuitously past Jay Nolly to make it 1-1.
The Whitecaps will quickly turn around and prepare to host USL-1 expansion club Austin Aztex for the first time in club history at Swangard on Wednesday night.
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