By BOB MACKIN
- THE BUZZ:
The Vancouver Whitecaps have a one-goal lead in their United Soccer Leagues' First Division semifinal series after edging the Portland Timbers 2-1 yesterday at Swangard Stadium.
- GOAAAAL:
Charles Gbeke scored in the 25th minute for a 1-0 lead on a ball that went off the crossbar. League scoring champ Gbeke used his 12 goals to become the only Whitecap named to the USL-1 first all-star team.
- TIMBIT:
Caps' defender Lyle Martin was cited for handball in the 43rd minute, which led to Ryan Pore's 44th minute penalty kick goal to tie things up.
- HABER HAVEN:
Marcus Haber's 49th minute goal, assisted by Gbeke, gave the defending champion Caps the win.
- GBEKE GAB:
"In the locker room I told Marcus he was going to score today," Gbeke said.
- MUSINGS:
"We were just looking at this game first and foremost to get the win," Haber said. "Going to Portland, we know it's tough playing there. Nobody's had an easy time playing there all year."
- NEXT:
The two-game, total-goals series concludes Sunday with a 4:12 p.m. kickoff in Portland's PGE Park. If Portland scores a one-goal regulation win, the series would need overtime or penalty kicks. Otherwise the Whitecaps will defend their title in the two-game final.
