Ahead of a week in which the Black-and-Red will travel more than 7,000 miles, Ben Olsen's side earned an important three points in Vancouver Saturday night at BC Place, winning 1-0 off a Lamar Neagle penalty kick.
The Black-and-Red lined up in a familiar 4-1-4-1 formation and playmaker Luciano Acosta returned to the lineup after serving a one-match suspension for a red card against Philadelphia on May 13. In the first half, after a clever bit of inter-play between Homegrown Player Ian Harkes and Acosta, the Argentine's left-footed shot forced an excellent save from Vancouver’s David Ousted. Both goalkeepers were kept active throughout the first half; Bill Hamid produced a couple of critical saves to stop Fredy Montero and keep the score at 0-0 going into halftime.
United won a penalty in the 60th minute after a great first touch from Ortiz beat Vancouver’s Kendall Waston, who fouled the Costa Rican to earn a penalty for the Black-and-Red. Lamar Neagle stepped up to the penalty and confidently struck the ball into the top left corner to give the Black-and-Red a 1-0 lead.
The United defense stood firm in the later stages of the second half as Vancouver heaped on the pressure in search of an equalizer. There was stoppage time drama when referee, Sorin Stoica, retrospectively called a penalty kick on Hamid for a challenge against Brek Shea. Christian Techera’s attempt from 12 yards thundered off the inside of the post and out of play to preserve the lead for the Black-and-Red.
Ben Olsen and United extended their unbeaten run away from home to three matches and remain unbeaten at BC Place since their first trip to the venue in 2011. The Black-and-Red picked up an important three points before traveling cross-country to Florida for a midweek game against a strong Orlando City SC on May 31.
