By:Aaron Campbell (Twitter:@AaCamp81)
USL Western Conference Standings
Match Report Courtesy of Whitecaps FC 2
The future of Vancouver Whitecaps FC was on full display on Wednesday evening as the dynamic play of Ben McKendry, Alphonso Davies, and Spencer Richey led Whitecaps FC 2 to a 2-1 win over Swope Park Rangers at Children’s Mercy Victory Field.
McKendry provided the match-winner in the form of a 25-yard rocket in the 54th minute, while Davies was electric throughout the night, creating several chances, including one that led to a penalty kick goal from captain Kyle Greig.
Richey recorded five saves, including several in the second half to thwart a comeback attempt from the Rangers, en route to his second win of the season.
Featuring three changes from the last match with Chris Serban, Will Seymore, and Greig reinserted back in the XI, the ‘Caps appeared to have settled in well to start until the Rangers struck first in the 15th minute. Swope Park’s Daniel Salloi connected with fellow forward Kris Tyrpak, who had slipped past the ‘Caps backline and into the box for the short-distance shot to open the scoring.
The resilient ‘Caps, who came back from a two-goal deficit to earn a road point last week, would respond 15 minutes later, thanks to the 15-year old Davies’ aggressive play. Flying down the left side on the counterattack and threatening as he advanced inside the 18-yard box, Davies was taken down by Rangers defender Jacob VanCompernolle with a sliding tackle, setting up a penalty kick for WFC2, which Greig converted with ease. It was the team-leading fourth goal for Greig, who was born in Olathe, just 30 minutes from Kansas City.
Davies was not done. After an excellent interchange with McKendry just outside the box, Davies chipped the ball forward to Greig, whose aerial volley attempt missed wide as he collided with goalkeeper Jon Kempin, keeping the score tied going into halftime.
The attack continued from the ‘Caps in the second half. After a scramble that had a number of players out of position, Greig won a battle for the loose ball, heading it to McKendry’s direction, who shot a cannon from 25 yards and straight into the top corner, giving WFC2 the 2-1 lead in the 54th minute while leaving the hometown crowd stunned.
Swope Park would push hard for an equalizer, with Nansel Selbol, Tyler Pasher, and Tyrpak taking turns, but Richey was there time and again to kill off threats from the home side. Sem de Wit was stellar in the back as well, coming up with timely clearances and interceptions when the Rangers appeared to be gaining an advantage.
With the result, Whitecaps FC 2 improve their undefeated record to 3W-0L-2D to lead the Western Conference, while Swope Park Rangers drop to 2W-2L-1D.
Whitecaps FC 2 conclude their road trip on Saturday, April 30 when they make their first-ever visit to Saint Louis FC at World Wide Technology Soccer Park. They make their return to Thunderbird Stadium on Wednesday, May 4 as they host Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Attack of the ‘Caps Clones Night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Attendance: 1,542
Scoring Summary
15’ – SPR – Kris Tyrpak (Daniel Salloi)
30’ – VAN – Kyle Greig (penalty kick)
54’ – VAN – Ben McKendry (Kyle Greig)
Stats
Shots: SPR 10 – VAN 8
Saves: SPR 2 – VAN 5
Corners: SPR 5 – VAN 3
Cautions
38’ – SPR – Kris Tyrpak
42’ – VAN – Daniel Haber
48’ – SPR – Jimmy Mulligan
53’ – VAN – Ben McKendry
58’– SPR – Jordi Quintilla
Swope Park Rangers
1.Jon Kempin; 74.Jimmy Mulligan, 26.Tommy Meyer, 33.Jacob VanCompernolle, 32.Christian Duke; 35.Ualefi; 96.Jordi Quintilla (55.Amer Didic 90′), 88.Kevin Oliveira (49.Will Little 68′); 50.Kris Tyrpak (81.Oumar Ballo 90’+1′), 30.Daniel Salloi (31.Nansel Selbol 72′), 77.Tyler Pasher
Substitutes not used
28.Zac Lubin, 44.Tomas Granitto, 90.Johnny Grant
Whitecaps FC 2
39.Spencer Richey; 55.Chris Serban, 51.Sem de Wit, 14.Cole Seiler, 46.Brett Levis; 58.Will Seymore, 30.Ben McKendry (65.Matthew Baldisimo 87′); 56.Daniel Haber (49.Fatawu Safiu 73′), 32.Marco Bustos (64.Thomas Gardner 90’+1′), 67.Alphonso Davies (50.Sahil Sandhu 81’); 47.Kyle Greig
Substitutes not used
24.Marco Carducci, 41.Jackson Farmer, 63.Kadin Chung
Whitecaps 2 Player Stats
Whitecaps 2 Goalkeepers Stats
