SAN JOSE, CA – Vancouver Whitecaps FC fell to a 2-1 loss against Western Conference side San Jose Earthquakes this Saturday evening at PayPal Park.
The 'Caps got off to another flying start, showcasing crisp passing that saw them open the scoring in the 17th minute. After possession was quickly won back in the final third, Alessandro Schöpf played a give and go with Julian Gressel, with the Austrian midfielder scoring his first goal with Whitecaps FC.
As the first half progressed, Earthquakes forward Cade Cowell dribbled his way through the box in the 32nd minute, but his opportunity was parried away by 'Caps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.
In the second half, San Jose would find the back of the net following a set piece. Jamiro Monteiro’s cross connected to Jeremy Ebobisse, as his header would tie the game in the 68th minute of the match.
In the 77th minute, the home side made some quick ball movement inside the final third. With Cristian Espinoza feeding a ball to Carlos Akapo, the substitute gave his side a 2-1 lead.
Takaoka continued to impress with a strong reactionary save following a Benji Kikanović header in added time.
The 'Caps continued pushing for an equalizer, including a chance in the box from Russell Teibert that was denied by an excellent save from San Jose's goalkeeper. Despite the push, the final whistle blew at PayPal Park.
The ‘Caps are back in action this coming Wednesday, March 8 as they begin their continental run in the Concacaf Champions League by hosting the first leg of the Round of 16 against Real C.D. España at BC Place. Kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.
For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
MATCH DETAILS
VWFC GE Appliances Player of Quality: Julian Gressel
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: Mark Allatin
Scoring Summary
17’ – VAN – Alessandro Schöpf (Julian Gressel)
68’ – SJ – Jeremy Ebobisse (Jamiro Monteiro, Jackson Yueill)
77’ – SJ – Carlos Akapo (Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse)
Statistics
Possession: SJ 59.7% – VAN 40.3%
Shots: SJ 20 – VAN 7
Shots on Goal: SJ 6 – VAN 2
Saves: SJ 1 – VAN 4
Fouls: SJ 8 – VAN 10
Offsides: SJ 0 – VAN 0
Corners: SJ 12 – VAN 6
Cautions
36’ – VAN – Ranko Veselinović
41’ – VAN – Andrés Cubas
58’ – SJ – Jackson Yueill
68’ – VAN – Luís Martins
69’ – VAN – Alessandro Schöpf
83’ – SJ – Cristian Espinoza
San Jose Earthquakes42.Daniel; 3.Paul Marie, 4.Jonathan Mensah, 26.Rodrigues, 21.Miguel Trauco (29.Carlos Akapo 63’); 14.Jackson Yueill ©, 7.Carlos Gruezo, 35.Jamiro Monteiro; 10.Cristian Espinoza, 11.Jeremy Ebobisse, 44.Cade Cowell (28.Benjamin Kikanović 78’)
Substitutes not used
1.JT Marcinkowski, 15.Tanner Beason, 16.Jack Skahan, 22.Tommy Thompson, 24.Daniel Munie, 25.Ousseni Bouda, 55.Michael Baldisimo
Vancouver Whitecaps FC18.Yohei Takaoka; 23.Javain Brown, 2.Mathías Laborda, 4.Ranko Veselinović, 14.Luís Martins; 19.Julian Gressel (31.Russell Teibert 65’), 20.Andrés Cubas, 8.Alessandro Schöpf (16.Sebastian Berhalter 75’); 45.Pedro Vite (11.Cristian Dájome 65’), 25.Ryan Gauld ©; 24.Brian White (9.Sergio Córdova 55’)
Substitutes not used
1.Thomas Hasal, 6.Tristan Blackmon, 12.Karifa Yao, 22.Ali Ahmed, 27.Ryan Raposo
