COMMERCE CITY, CO – Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves (2W-0L-0D) continued their unbeaten start to the MLS Reserve League season as they secured a 2-1 win against Colorado Rapids Reserves (1W-3L-1D) at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on Tuesday.
Whitecaps FC assistant coach Paul Ritchie dressed a mixed lineup of veterans and young talent, featuring the likes of Brad Knighton, Jordan Harvey, Darren Mattocks, and Kekuta Manneh.
Just a few minutes in, Davy Armstrong had a chance to give the Rapids the lead when he drilled a shot from 25 yards out, but Knighton was there to tip the ball over the crossbar.
In the 21st minute, the ‘Caps took the lead when speedy youngster Manneh made some nice moves around the Rapids’ defenders and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Late in the first half, on 41 minutes, the Rapids equalized when Tony Cascio slid the ball in from close range, as the ‘Caps appeared to be tiring from the high elevation of the Rockies.
Heading into the second half, the Blue and White looked to regain momentum and steal a win from the home side.
On 53 minutes, the Rapids had a chance to take the lead as Edson Buddle found Kevin Harbottle with a pass behind the defence, but his shot went wide of the target.
A winning goal for the ‘Caps came on 74 minutes, when Manneh got in behind the Rapids and made a nice pass to Tommy Heinemann, who finished the chance to give the ‘Caps a 2-1 lead.
The ‘Caps held their ground for the remaining 15 minutes of the match and managed to secure a 2-1 win on the road against their Rocky Mountain rivals.
Next up, Whitecaps FC Reserves host Portland Timbers Reserves on Sunday, May 19 at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT.
Scoring Summary:
21' - VAN - Kekuta Manneh
41' - COL - Tony Cascio
74' - VAN - Tom Heinemann (Kekuta Manneh)
Disciplinary Summary:
12' - VAN - Jordan Harvey (caution)
35' - VAN - Kekuta Manneh (caution)
Whitecaps FC lineup:
18. Brad Knighton; 43.Ethen Sampson, 33.Adam Clement, 25.Sam Adekugbe, 2.Jordan Harvey; 8.Matt Watson, 20.Aminu Abdallah (24.Kevin Cobby 70'), 19.Erik Hurtado, 23.Kekuta Manneh (30.Yassin Essa 74'), 11.Darren Mattocks, 29.Tom Heinemann (34.Caleb Clarke 84')
Subs not used:
39.Simon Thomas
Colorado Rapids lineup:
21.Stewart Ceus; 28.Davy Armstrong, 32. Brenton Griffiths, 29.Kory Kindle, 6.Anthony Wallace; 14.Tony Cascio, 25.Pablo Mastroeni (17.Dillon Serna 74'), 10.Martin Rivero, 7.Kevin Harbottle; 26.Deshorn Brown, 9.Edson Buddle (13.Kamani Hill 62')
Subs not used:
Davis, Toderica, Braman, Windsor, Martinez
