By Simon Fudge/whitecapsfc.com
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency recorded a second-straight victory on their 12-day tour of Japan, as they defeated Takigawa Kobe U-19's 4-1 on Monday.
Despite going behind early, Thomas Niendorf's side went on to score four unanswered goals and claim a second victory in as many days in the Far East nation. American striker Drew Russell contributed to the result with two of the Residency team's four goals.
On a cloudy and cool afternoon in Kobe, Japan, it was Takigawa that took advantage of Vancouver's slow start by taking the lead after just two minutes.
Undeterred, the Whitecaps settled down after the opening exchanges and leveled matters on 14 minutes. Sahil Sandhu finished Kevin Cobby's fine cross following a good passing sequence from the traveling Canadian side.
Nine minutes later, Russell gave Residency the lead following a Whitecaps corner. The Mount Vernon, Iowa, native headed the set-piece home to make it 2-1 to Vancouver at halftime.
Though the technically gifted Takigawa side were quick and physical, the Whitecaps took control of the friendly contest in the second half and had numerous chances to score more goals, especially from several breakaway opportunities.
They extended their lead on the hour mark, as Russell converted his second goal of the game before substitute Russell Teibert capped Monday's win with a fourth goal on 80 minutes.
The 'Caps second-half performance from proved pivotal in the result, as the entire Residency team contributed to what was another good day on the pitch in Japan.
Niendorf's squad will now prepare for the third game of their Japanese tour on Wednesday, as they meet the U-19 side of J.League Division One club Kyoto Sanga.
Whitecaps FC Residency - starting line-up v Takigawa Kobe
Simon Thomas; Antonio Rago, Jack Cubbon, Ethan Gage, William Hyde; Philippe Davies, Sahil Sandhu, Gagandeep Dosanjh, Kevin Cobby; Randy Edwini-Bonsu, Drew Russell
Subs used:
Julien Latendresse-Levesque, Russell Teibert, Coulton Jackson, Alex Semenets
