DENVER, CO – Whitecaps FC 2 battled to a 2-2 regulation draw against Colorado Rapids 2 but fell 3-2 in the ensuing shootout at University of Denver Soccer Stadium on Sunday evening.
Colorado would open the scoring in rapid fashion, as midfielder Yosuke Hanya sent in a cross into the area from the right flank of the field. The ball rolled its way to forward Dantouma Toure, who’s first time strike outside the box curled into the top corner just inside the third minute of the match.
WFC2 were then awarded a penalty kick eight minutes later. Following an initial save from Rapids 2 goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez, ‘Caps forward Easton Ongaro converted his own rebound to level the match, grabbing his first goal with the club in his debut match.
In a quick turn of events, the Blue & White would regain the lead in the 20th minute of the match. Ali Ahmed’s long through ball found its way to Ongaro inside the box, with the forward scoring a brace and giving his squad a 2-1 advantage.
The back-and-forth action from the first half would continue, as Rapids 2 tied the match following a penalty kick put away by Toure in the 29th minute.
The second half saw the young ‘Caps looking to take control of the momentum. Substitute and WFC2 debutant Nick Salihamidžić saw his shot from distance go wide of the netting as the second half began.
With the match progressing, Ongaro’s header from the centre of the box was parried away following a pass sent in by Pípé Fernandez-Salvador in the 64th minute.
As the final regulation whistle blew, Colorado’s Michael Harris would end up scoring the winning penalty in the shootout to give his team the extra point.
WFC2 return to Swangard Stadium next Friday, July 29, for a Western Conference clash against Houston Dynamo 2 with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT. Tickets are complimentary for MLS season ticket members, or $10 at the match.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Killian Richardson
Scoring Summary
3’ – COL – Dantouma Toure (Yosuke Hanya)
11’ – VAN – Easton Ongaro
20’ – VAN – Easton Ongaro (Ali Ahmed)
29’ – COL – Dantouma Toure (penalty kick)
Shootout
VAN – Missed – Simon Becher
COL – Scored – Anthony Markanich
VAN – Missed – Emiliano Brienza
COL – Scored – Omar Gomez
VAN – Scored – Giovanni Aguilar
COL – Missed – Yosuke Hanya
VAN – Missed – Nick Salihamidžić
COL – Missed – Daouda Amadou
VAN – Scored – Finn Linder
COL – Scored – Michael Harris
Statistics
Possession: COL 45.1% – VAN 54.9%
Shots: COL 7 – VAN 14
Shots on Goal: COL 4 – VAN 6
Saves: COL 4 – VAN 2
Fouls: COL 12 – VAN 9
Offsides: COL 0 – VAN 0
Corners: COL 4 – VAN 4
Cautions
13’ – COL – Dantouma Toure
34’ – VAN – Matteo Campagna
35’ – VAN – Simon Becher
43’ – VAN – Cristian Campagna
50’ – COL – Abraham Rodriguez
78’ – COL – Philip Mayaka
90’+3’ – COL – Michael Harris
Ejection
36’ – COL – Robinson Aguirre
Colorado Rapids 2
41.Abraham Rodriguez ©; 42.Omar Gomez, 46.Blake Malone, 54.Daniel Garcia, 31.Anthony Markanich; 16.Philip Mayaka, 45.Daouda Amadou; 60.Robinson Aguirre, 47.Yosuke Hanya, 77.Darren Yapi (44.Michael Harris 86’), 37.Dantouma Toure (57.Maclovio Swett 82’)
Substitutes not used
51.Adam Beaudry, 34.Michael Edwards, 53.Steve Flores, 56.Connor Miller, 80.Jack Sullivan, 85.Josh Hardin, 87.Keith Chavarria
Whitecaps FC 2
50.Max Anchor (1.Thomas Hasal HT); 61.Matteo Campagna, 64.Cristian Campagna ©, 83.Finn Linder; 66.Giovanni Aguilar; 57.Elage Bah (41.Nick Salihamidžić HT), 92.Jay Herdman (49.Emiliano Brienza 71’), 47.Pípé Fernandez-Salvador (48.Théo Collomb 84’), 51.Ali Ahmed (46.Filip Rakic 63’); 29.Simon Becher, 43.Easton Ongaro
Substitutes not used
44.Chris Lee, 53.Simone Masi
