VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes men's soccer team returned to Centennial Stadium, Feb. 16 to face MLS franchise Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the third annual match between the two clubs. The 'Caps posted a late tally in the 90^th minute to defeat the Vikes, who received a standout performance from goalkeeper Noah Pawlowski in front of 2500 fans.
 
MATCH DETAILS /  SCHEDULE

Arriving at Centennial Stadium with a full roster that included captain Jay DeMerit, veteran Russell Teibert and Nigel Reo-Coker, the Whitecaps were poised to put on show Sunday afternoon, but despite controlling the play for a majority of the 90 minutes, the MLS club was unable to convert on several opportunites. It wasn't until the final moments of the match that the 'Caps finally found the back of the net, with midfielder Andre Lewis converting a cross-pass for the eventual game-winning goal.

The Whitecaps first opportunity on net came early from second-year Whitecap Erik Hurtado, who crossed a ball through the box that was cleared out of harms way by fourth-year senior Alex Redpath.
 
Minutes later, Whitecaps forward Darren Mattocks also received a great opportunity to put his side up a goal, landing the ball inside the six-yard box that was then deflected high over Vikes' keeper Pawloski.
 
Fernandez had his own opportunity to make his mark on the game when he fired a shot from the top of the 18-yard box just minutes later, but the shot sailed harmlessly into Pawlowski's arms.
 
The Vikes' top opportunity to score in the first half came off the foot of fourth-year Vike Craig Taylor, who brushed past London native Nigel Reo-Coker and fired a left-footed blast from 25-feet out that went just wide.

Strong defensive play by the Vikes in the first half resulted in both teams heading to the dressing room in a scoreless deadlock.
 
"I thought it was good team performance throughout the game," said Vikes head coach Bruce Wilson. "We moved very well, we defended in numbers and we made it difficult for them. Starting with our goalkeeper, we were able to stay in the game."
 
The second half featured more of the same play for both sides, with the Whitecaps pressing but unable to solve Pawlowski and the Vikes defence.
 
Redpath made another key defensive play in the 85^th minute when he fired a rolling ball out of the Vikes zone before any Whitecaps striker could make a potential play.
 
Both teams looked to be heading to a draw until the final minute of play when Lewis found the ball just outside the six-yard box and fired a low shot into the back of the net to put the Whitecaps up 1-0 late.
 
With only a minute of extra time added, the Vikes were unable to respond, suffering a 1-0 defeat despite a strong defensive outing through the majority of the game.
 
"To be honest, we were very unlucky to get the draw," said Wilson. "We battled so hard but at the end of the day we gave up one. It was a good game for us though, hopefully it helped the Whitecaps prepare for their season as well."
 
The Vikes men's and women's teams will next hit the pitch in when they host the Keg Spring Cup, Mar. 22-23 at Centennial Stadium.
 
Scoring Summary:
VAN: Andre Lewis (90')
VIC: N/A
 
Shot Summary:
VAN: 21
VIC: 4
 
Yellow Cards:
VAN: None
VIC: Andrew Ravenhill (25')