VANCOUVER – Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 put an end to a four-game winless stretch on Sunday, earning a 3-1 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Thunderbird Stadium. Marco Bustos converted a first-half penalty kick, and the club strengthened in the run of play with second-half goals from Gloire Amanda and Chris Serban. The Switchbacks found a consolation goal from Sean McFarlane in the 88th minute, but the damage had been done. WFC2 posted its first regular-season win against the Switchbacks, who had been 2-0-2 against Vancouver heading into the match. Vancouver improves to 3-4-2 (11 points) overall and 2-1-1 at home. The Switchbacks fall to 3-3-4 (13 points) overall and 1-2-3 on the road.

Scoring:

24’ – VAN – Marco Bustos (penalty)

68’ – VAN – Gloire Amanda (Andy Thoma)

82’ – VAN – Chris Serban

88’ – COS – Sean McFarlane (Shane Malcolm)

Three Things That Mattered:

1. WFC2’s all-time goal scoring leader Marco Bustos added to his total Sunday. Making his second USL appearance this year, the loanee netted his second goal this season and his 16th in three USL campaigns. Bustos drew a penalty kick midway through the first half as he sustained some contact against Switchbacks defender Josh Suggs with his run into the box. Bustos took the subsequent PK, slotting into the left of the frame in the 24th minute for a 1-0 lead as Colorado Springs goalkeeper Moise Pouaty dove in the other direction on the attempt.

2. The open play in the first half was frantic at times. In the second half, Vancouver was much more controlled with its buildup. Having the lead certainly could have played a factor in WFC2 showing a bit more confidence and fluidity on the ball. Vancouver turned a Suggs free kick into a perfect buildup from the back in the 68th minute as WFC2 goalkeeper Sean Melvin’s distribution to the left started the counter. Andy Thoma crossed in to find 18-year-old Gloire Amanda making a near-post run to take a 2-0 lead. Capping things off, midfielder Chris Serban found the upper right corner of the frame in the 82nd minute for a three-goal cushion.

3. As evidenced by 15 first-half shots (and 25 for the match), Colorado Springs had the more clear-cut scoring chances as the club attempted for a strong result on the road. The strongest sequence came in the 35th minute when the Switchbacks earned a free kick several yards above the box. The free kick hit the wall, but the loose ball was up for grabs as Aaron King fired toward the right of the frame. Melvin tipped the ball, which then caromed off of the right post. Switchbacks right back Josh Burt converged for the rebound, aimed for the far left post, but WFC2’s Will Seymore made the clearance at the goal line. Sean McFarlane did get Colorado Springs on the score sheet with a low shot inside the left post and just out of reach of Melvin to wrap up the scoring as the Switchbacks have yet to be shut out this season.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

Sean Melvin, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 – Melvin made seven saves against a Switchbacks side that generated plenty of scoring chances. Melvin also started the buildup that led to Gloire Amanda’s goal.