Reds blank Whitecaps Residency

June 4, 2010 by YH-R Sports

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — As difficult as Tuesday’s loss was for the Yakima Reds, Thursday’s victory was that much sweeter.

With goalkeeper Claudio Lazar making seven saves, including stopping a penalty kick, the Reds blanked the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency 1-0 in PDL Northwest soccer at Simon Fraser University.

After an 0-4 start, the Reds have won two of three on the road and allowed just one goal in those three matches. In between the wins was a frustrating 1-0 setback at Abbotsford when Yakima outshot the home team.

“After Tuesday’s match we just said, ‘Let’s move on and not worry about that loss,’” said Yakima coach Alex Silva. “Today we kept controlling the ball and fighting for the victory the whole match. It was wonderful to see.”

After a scoreless first half, the Reds got their game-winner when forward Abdulwali Aman punched in an unassisted goal in the 67th minute.

Fifteen minutes later, however, Vancouver was awarded a penalty kick. “Claudio made a great move,” Silva said, “and saved it. He was in great form the whole match.”

Yakima (2-5) will take its momentum to Victoria (4-1) for a rematch with the Highlanders on Saturday. Victoria edged the Reds 2-1 in Yakima on May 15.

“We’ve been playing so well on the road and it’s encouraging to see,” Silva added. “This group has really united and it’s made a huge difference with our confidence on the field.”