Hurtado scores lone Whitecaps FC goal in 2-1 loss to Sounders FC

February 6, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS) Vancouver Whitecaps FC CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA - Vancouver Whitecaps FC suffered their first defeat of the preseason by a score of 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC on Thursday morning at Grande Sports World.

Match highlights and interviews available for download at: https://mlssoccer.box.com/s/a7n2xe5sg6cy6336eh5x

After surrendering two goals in the opening 20 minutes, a second-half surge brought the 'Caps to within one goal of their Cascadia rival but Vancouver's comeback effort would ultimately fall just short.

"There were a lot of positives, but there were also some negatives in regards to what I want and what I demand," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "I think we had some very good attacking combinations in both halves ... obviously, the defending in the first half for me was nowhere near where it should be. We're looking at certain things and details in collective scenarios. We'll review the video and we'll sit down with the players and move forward."

Second-year winger/striker Erik Hurtado, who came on at halftime, scored Whitecaps FC's lone goal with a stunning half-volley off the run. Less than a minute into the second half, midfielder Matt Watson played a perfect ball over the top to a streaking Hurtado, who hit it first time with the outside of his foot into the top left corner of the goal.

"I think Erik Hurtado's performance in the second half is as good as I've seen since he's been with the club," said Robinson. "He's playing with a spring in his step at the moment. He's got a confidence about him and a desire both on the ball and off the ball as well."

Hurtado, who was playing as the lone central forward, was lively throughout the second half. His best opportunity to equalize came just before the 80-minute mark, when he broke in all alone only to be disrupted by a sliding Marcus Hahnemann.

The 23-year-old also had a few combination plays with Omar Salgado, who played about 30 minutes for the second straight day, but the duo simply couldn't find the back of the net.

Unlike Wednesday's match, in which Robinson fielded a lineup composed mainly of trialists, Residency players, and recent draft picks, the 'Caps went with a more experienced squad against the Sounders on Thursday.

Vancouver's starting lineup included the likes of goalkeeper David Ousted, defender Jay DeMerit and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker . DeMerit looked particularly sharp in his 45 minutes of action, making no fewer than three sliding clearances in the first half to keep the game within reach.

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Hurtado scores lone Whitecaps FC goal in 2-1 loss to Sounders FC