In the final match of their 2011 MLS Reserve League season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC reserves (2W-6L-2D) suffered a 1-0 defeat at Chivas USA reserves (3W-3L-3D) on Tuesday.
Victor Estupiñan's goal just before halftime was the difference in this Reserve League West Division contest, as The Goats held on for victory at The Home Depot Center's Track & Field Stadium in Carson, California. The 'Caps second string also finished Tuesday's match with ten men after striker Omar Salgado was sent off in the dying stages of the midweek contest.
"I thought the attitude and work rate of our team was pretty good today. The only thing that let us down was our decision making in the attacking third, as we created some good chances, but weren't able to finish them," Whitecaps FC assistant coach Denis Hamlett told whitecapsfc.com. "We started the game well, but our level dropped in the last 15 minutes of the first half, and that's when they scored. In the second half, we regrouped and looked better pushing forward, but unfortunately, we weren't sharp enough in front of goal."
Hamlett played an experienced starting XI in Tuesday's match, as players looked to sharpen their match fitness before Saturday's MLS regular season finale versus Colorado Rapids on Bell Pitch at BC Place. The line-up included playmaker Davide Chiumiento in midfield and goalscorer Eric Hassli partnering Salgado in the 'Caps attack.
The game's decisive moment came from Chivas USA reserves on 40 minutes, as the home side struck on the counter-attack, with Ecuadorian striker Estupiñan scoring his fourth goal in the Reserve League this season after converting a cross from Chris Cortez.
Trailing by the single goal, the Blue and White pressed hard in the second half to level the match. That pressure did allow The Goats to break in behind the 'Caps reserves backline, but goalkeeper Jay Nolly was on hand to deny the home side from extending their lead. The visitors had a late chance to earn a point in Southern California, but Hassli's strike inside the Chivas USA box was stopped by veteran Goats goalkeeper Zach Thornton. Whitecaps FC reserves also finished the match a man short after Salgado was sent off for two bookable offences on 88 minutes.
One bright spot for Vancouver were the substitute performances of Whitecaps FC Residency players Bryce Alderson, Caleb Clarke, and Ben Fisk, as the young trio earned another opportunity to test themselves against MLS opposition.
With the 2011 MLS Reserve League schedule now concluded, Whitecaps FC would like to thank all supporters that attended our home matches at Empire Field and Swangard Stadium this season. We look forward to seeing you at Reserve League games in 2012.
Scoring Summary:
40' - CHV - Victor Estupiñan (Chris Cortez)
Cautions:
37' - CHV - David Junior Lopes
37' - VAN - Eric Hassli
87' - VAN - Omar Salgado
88' - VAN - Omar Salgado
Ejections:
88' - VAN - Omar Salgado (second caution)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC reserves
18.Jay Nolly; 27.Alexandre Morfaw, 14.Greg Janicki, 3.Bilal Duckett (36.Bryce Alderson 45'), 38.Omar Elmasri (30.Ben Fisk 72'); 13.Michael Nanchoff, 8.Pete Vagenas, 15.Philippe Davies, 20.Davide Chiumiento (32.Caleb Clarke 77'); 17.Omar Salgado, 29.Eric Hassli
Subs not used: Kevin Guppy, Derrick Bassi
Chivas USA reserves
22.Zach Thornton; 19.Jorge Flores, 77.David Junior Lopes (40.Stephen Copley 72'), 3.Greg Vanney, 8.Mariano Trujillo (38.Nicolas Dieuze); 7.Simon Elliott (36.Esteban Rodriguez 10'), 18.Blair Gavin, 24.Marco Delgado, 99.Victor Estupiñan; 27.Chris Cortez, 39.Pablo Cruz (26.Ben Spencer 70')
Subs not used: 30.Sergio Arias
