Vancouver Victory scores late to win at Seattle home opener

TUKWILA, WA — Vancouver Victory FC survived a couple of Seattle Stars attack flurries and then scored a winner for themselves in the late stages to win their second straight match.

It was the home opener for the Stars, who hosted Vancouver under sunny skies at Starfire Sports Stadium. In the line-up for Seattle was former USL Sounders striker (Brazil) Welton Melo. In his late 30’s now, Melo showed he still has great command of the ball and remains dangerous to opposing defenses.

A 0-0 halftime stalemate was jolted to life in the second half when the Stars hit the crossbar in the 54th and the post in the 59th. Sean Irvin remained steady in the Vancouver goal, eventually earning his second shut-out, tops in the league.

The clubs were even on overall play and a draw seemed likely when Vancouver struck in the 87th minute. Jordan Jones scored on an assist from Bobby Hutchins. Just a few moments later it might have been 2-0 for the vistors as Antiguan player Tevaughn Harriette hit the post.

The Stars couldn’t find an equalizer and 165 fans saw them drop their second straight close contest.

Seattle is now 0-2-0 on the season while Vancouver improves to 2-1-0.

Seattle will try for its first triumph when they host Bellingham United on Sunday May 18. Vancouver heads home for a weekend double header on May 17 against Wenatchee and May 18 against Yakima.

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