WFC2 v Real Monarchs – Another Story In Pictures

It’s strange for two teams to meet at the same venue in the space of a week, but that’s what the USL schedule threw up as Real Monarchs made their second trip to Vancouver in short time to take on WFC2.

The Monarchs fought back from a two goal deficit last weekend to grab a point against the Western Conference leaders. This week they went one better, nicking the winner with the last kick of the game to come away with a 1-0 win and end the Whitecaps ten game unbeaten run.

The ‘Caps were “sluggish” according to head coach Alan Koch after the match, but had the better chances and certainly deserved at least a point, if not three, against a team that came looking for little and wasted time from the start.

A tough way to lose your unbeaten record, but Koch feels the team needed it to put things in “perspective” to spur them on for the rest of the campaign without that millstone around their neck. It’s how they respond now that will be the telling tale of this team and we’ll see that on Thursday night down in Seattle.

AFTN photographer Tom Ewasiuk was there to capture all the action before, during and after the Monarchs 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].

Ready for battle

Spencer Richey and Sam Adekugbe combine to keep out a Monarchs chance

Kyle Greig is a visitor’s boot away from grabbing his 10th goal of the year

While at the other end Ricardo Velazco can’t repeat his goal heroics from a week ago as his shot goes wide

Just before the half, Ben McKendry has another laser in his sights but fires narrowly over

The chance of the match came in the 70th minute when Daniel Haber headed for the byeline and sent a dangerous ball across the face of the goal

But Fatawu Safiu comes within millimetres of getting an outstetched foot on it and putting it away at the back post

Spencer Richey comes up with a big stop on Fredrick Amankona

Things get a little heated in the closing minutes

Then Sam Adekugbe gives up a free kick, and gets sent off for a second yellow card, five minutes into stoppage time, which Etiandro Tavares whips in to an unmarked Frederick Amankona at the back post

And Amankona buries it for the dramatic late winner and his first professional goal

The joy of a last second victory

And the pain of defeat and losing your unbeaten record. Onwards and upwards ‘Caps.

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