May 29th Whitecaps in Minnesota [R]

[masster]

WHITECAPS MEDIA RELEASE

GAME REPORT:

Minnesota Thunder 1

Whitecaps Men 0

Sunday, May 29, 2005

James Griffin Stadium, St. Paul, MN (attendance: 3,312)

Overview:

The Whitecaps suffered their first loss of the season Sunday night, as they dropped a 1-0 decision away to the Minnesota Thunder. Midfielder Godfrey Tenoff scored the game's only goal in the 24th minute on a 30-yard-shot into an empty net, as he capitalized on a mistake by rookie goalkeeper Josh Wicks. Wicks got the surprise start to make his Whitecaps debut, as Mike Franks was given a rest after playing two days earlier.

On the artificial turf and narrow field of James Griffin Stadium, the Whitecaps played a good game and were able to create numerous chances, but couldn't beat goalkeeper Joe Warren. And while Vancouver's defence limited the home side to just three good shots, the Thunder got the only goal they needed.

Vancouver's record goes to 4-1-2 for 14 points, as they slip to third place in the USL First Division, a point behind the Montreal Impact who played to a 0-0 tie at home against Rochester.

The Caps now return home and prepare for their big showdown with the Portland Timbers on Friday, June 10 at Swangard Stadium, in a 7:00 pm start. That game is Alumni Night and will feature a special tribute to Domenic Mobilio and long-time equipment manager Jock MacDonald

Scoring Summary:

24' Minn Godfrey Tenoff

Goalkeeper Josh Wicks raced out of the box to get to the ball ahead of onrushing striker Melvin Tarley, but his poor clearance went to Tenoff who floated a 30-yard shot into the empty net.

Game Notes:

Vancouver almost opened scoring at 18' as Jason Jordan fed a great through ball to Joey Gjertsen who broke in, rounded the keeper, but had his shot blocked by defender Brett Branan who made great play to slide in and prevent a sure goal.

Minnesota keeper Joe Warren made two good saves late in the first half to preserve the lead. At 35' he stopped a good quick shot from Steve Klein inside the box, and at 43' he saved a deflected shot by Martin Nash after some good Vancouver pressure.

At 54', Minnesota almost scored a repeat of their first goal, after another poor clearance by Josh Wicks went to Thunder midfielder Jay Alberts. However, Alberts long-range effort went over the bar.

Jason Jordan had his chances to net the equalizer and continue his scoring streak. He headed off target from good position just seven minutes in and blasted a powerful shot from range just wide of the far post at 58'. He had Vancouver's best chance at 65' on a nifty build-up, as Jordan dummied the ball for Joey Gjertsen, who fed it back to Jordan in the box, but goalkeeper Joe Warren made a great save on a good shot.

Minnesota had some late chances to put the game away, but Josh Wicks came up with a couple of big saves. He stopped a bullet drive from Brett Branan at 81' and then another good shot at 85' from Jay Alberts.

Steve Kindel started defence to run his consecutive game streak to 43.

The Whitecaps are 2-7-1 all-time in Minnesota, dating back to 1997.

Jason Jordan celebrates his 27th birthday on Monday, May 30.

Whitecaps: 0.Josh Wicks - 8.Steve Kindel (13.Tino Cucca, 83'), 16.Kevin Harmse, 4.Nick Dasovic, 12.Geordie Lyall - 9.Alfredo Valente (24.Ryan Trout 73'), 3.Steve Klein, 2.Jeff Clarke, 7.Martin Nash - 26.Jason Jordan, 17.Joey Gjertsen (19.Carlo Corazzin 73')