Whitecaps women launch winning streak - The Vancouver Sun

The Vancouver Whitecaps women's squad kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Real Colorado Cougars at Percy Perry Stadium before 1,317 fans.

Kirsteen Buchan scored the winner in the second frame and assisted on Jodi-Ann Robinson's first half goal in the 23rd minute.

It's the first time the Caps have managed back-to-back wins all season.

"It was our last home game, and we've been craving wins all season", Buchan told whitecapsfc.com, "so anywhere we win is good, especially in front of a loud supportive crowd like that."

Colorado held the balance of play early but the Whitecaps were the first to break through.

Buchan fed Robinson from 20 yards out and the striker curled the ball home for her seventh goal of the season.

The marker extended her goal-scoring streak to four games. Four minutes later Colorado equalized when Kellyn Farrell headed in a corner kick.

Vancouver started the second half with strong play and scored the go-ahead goal in the 50th minute.

Buchan won a battle for the ball and then beat the keeper from 10 yards out for her third goal of the season. The visitors' had several chances to equalize, but hit the crossbar twice.

The Whitecaps nearly added another goal late when Robinson put Chelsea Buckland in alone on goal, but her short-range shot hit the goalie in the head.

The win vaults the Whitecaps into third place one point behind Seattle for the final playoff spot. Vancouver must win its final two games in Colorado on July 17 and 19 to have a chance at playing in the post-season.

"Before the last game we spoke to the players and said we've got four games left and we have to win all four to make the playoffs," said Koch. "Give the players credit, we won the last two games. Now we've got a huge trip to Colorado."

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