WFC2 v Los Angeles Galaxy II – The Story In Pictures

There must have been a memo go around Vancouver Whitecaps’ coaches this week – play free-flowing football, but keep it interesting and nerve wracking at the same time.

Two days, two games, two 4-3 wins for the ‘Caps.

An outstanding weekend was capped off at Thunderbird Stadium as Whitecaps 2 headed to the top of the Western Conference standings, knocking off Los Dos in the process.

A brace from captain Kyle Greig and Alphonso Davies’ first pro goal saw the ‘Caps race out into a 3-0 lead just 21 minutes in. Jose Villareal’s stunning free kick caught Sean Melvin cold to give LA hope ten minutes before half time.

That was how it stayed till the break and buoyed by the goal LA took the game to Vancouver in the second half. The ‘Caps defence bent but didn’t break, with Melvin coming up with some big saves.

When Vancouver made it 4-1 through Brett Levis with nine minutes remaining, the ‘Caps looked home and dry, but LA struck twice more, first through a Denzel Slager laser, then a stoppage time Villareal penalty. But the ‘Caps saw out the game to claim three massive points and their unbeaten record intact.

AFTN photographer Tom Ewasiuk was there to capture all the action before, during and after the game and here’s his “Story In Pictures”, with a full Flickr slideshow at the end.

[Also check out Tom’s website www.residualimagephotography.com for more of his photos and work].

Ladies and gentlemen, your unbeaten WFC2 starting XI

It doesn’t take long for the ‘Caps to get going as Marco Bustos sends Kadin Chung up the right wing and the young right back sends a low cross into Kyle Greig

And the ‘Caps captain slots home

Sheer delight!

The ‘Caps keep pushing and in the 17th minute it’s Daniel Haber’s turn to play in Greig

And the result is the same. 2-0 WFC2

Will Seymore nearly makes it three after some sloppy LA defending

But that third does comes in the 21st minute when Alphonso Davies collects the ball and heads to goal

Leaving the LA defence in his wake

And slotting home to become the youngest player to ever score in a USL game

The joy that comes from your first professional goal

Flipping magic!

Everyone wants in on the act, and Marco Bustos nearly make it four

But after a stunning first half hour, LA get themselves back into the match with a stunning free kick from Jose Villareal that catches Sean Melvin out

LA take the game to Vancouver in the second half, but the ‘Caps defence hold firm. Then with nine minutes remaining, Brett Levis shows some great footwork in the box before Marco Bustos is denied

But the rebound comes to Levis who fires home for 4-1

Happy days!

Denzel Slager hits a laser into the roof of the net three minutes later though to keep it interesting

Villareal fires home a stoppage time penalty but the ‘Caps see it out for the 4-3 win to stay unbeaten and topping the Western Conference

You can see all of Tom’s photos from the game HERE and in our full Flickr slideshow below: