Whitecaps suffer first league defeat

Vancouver Whitecaps 0-1 San Jose Earthquakes

VANCOUVER, BC–It was not a good week for Vancouver Whitecaps. On Wednesday, they were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup by Seattle Sounders, 5-1 on aggregate. On Saturday, they suffered their first league defeat of the season against a much improved San Jose Earthquakes side, 1-0, at BC Place.

Both teams had their chances in the first half. For the Whitecaps, they were stymied by Earthquakes keeper Daniel, most notably in the 30th minute making an acrobatic save on Brian White. The Quakes had a golden chance three minutes later as Jamal Ricketts’ chance was blocked by Edier Ocampo in front of goal.

Before halftime, the Quakes would get the breakthrough as Beau Leroux pounced on a rebound from just outside the box leaving Yohei Takaoka no chance to put San Jose ahead. The rebound came to the feet of Leroux after Ralph Priso had cleared a shot off the line after a flick on header off a corner kick was misplayed by Takaoka.

It would be all San Jose needed as Daniel would make six saves and the Quakes have started the season 4-1-0 and only conceding once this season so far. The Whitecaps remain second, also at 4-1-0, having a better goal difference so far than the Quakes (+12 to +6), though San Diego plays Sunday against Real Salt Lake.

Next weekend is an international break. The Whitecaps return to league play on Saturday, April 4th when they host Portland Timbers. Kickoff is at 7:30pm PT on Apple TV. The Quakes will host San Diego at the same time and channel.

Photos by Gerrit te Hennepe