Heinemann Lifts 'Caps in Canadian Cup

Passing quietly under the North American soccer radar, former Charleston Battery forward Tom Heinemann did some heavy lifting to push the Vancouver Whitecaps into the Amway Canadian Cup Final last week.  Toppling FC Edmonton in a two-leg semi, the Caps move on to battle Montreal for the Canadian title and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Heinemann netted the game winning goal, deep into stoppage time as the first legged ended 3-2.  He was also heavily involved in the 'Caps productive offensive in the successive 2-0 win, proving instrumental in forcing an own goal.  Since his early career this personable striker has had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and these days its earning him more minutes in Vancouver.  Combined with the goal scoring exploits of fellow USL product Cory Hertzog, the Whitecaps are becoming potent example of the talent USL athletes can bring to the table.

But don't take my word for it...see what the editors over at MSL Soccer had to say about Charleston's beloved "Wildman."  And you may wanna check out his game-winning goal while you're at it:





(photo credit: Whitecaps facebook)

Sounders Make History in CCL

Been following the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals??  You should be.  The Seattle Sounders sent shock waves through the North American soccer world Tuesday night by upsetting the Tigres and becoming the first MLS side to knock out a Mexican opponent in CCL competition.  Despite going down a goal, the Sounder's second half surge, complete with a trio of majestic goals, lifted the West Coast warriors to a 3-2 aggregate win over the Tigres.

Relive the glory at CenturyLink Field here:



In the other quarterfinal fixtures, Monterrey mastered Guatemalan side Xelaju (4-2 aggr.) and Santos Laguna dropped the Dynamo like a bad habit (3-0; 3-1 aggr.).  The LA Galaxy eased past Herediano 4-1 at the Home Depot Center, advancing with a landslide victory.

The semifinals will feature two Liga MX vs. MLS showdowns, with LA forcing a grudge match with two-time defending champions Monterrey.  The Sounders have their own axe to grind; the last time they faced Santos, they were chewed up and spit out in a 6-1 thrashing in Torreon.

Mouthwatering stuff to be sure...

Battery Trio Shine in CCL Semifinal

   

In yet another wild night in Mexico, three former Charleston Battery players led the charge as the Seattle Sounders finished 1-1 with Santos Laguna in Torreon.  The draw means the Cascadians are eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League (2-1 aggregate) in the semifinal round.   While the Sounders will be kicking themselves for surrendering to Santos in the Semis once again, at least this time they can return to the States proud of their grit, with their dignity in tact.

Instrumental in Seattle's struggle to reach the Champions League final were three young men who not long ago graced the turf of Blackbaud Stadium.  Osvaldo Alonso, Alex Caskey, and Lamar Neagle shined for the Sounders in last night's exciting, albeit disappointing tie with Santos.  Caskey and Alonso  featured prominently from the starting whistle, while Neagle played the role of super-sub.  Caskey flitted in dangerous crosses throughout the match while Alonso's commanding midfield presence allowed Seattle to press the attack.  Despite controlling the opening stages, the visitors were punished in the 21st minute, as Santos cashed in on some sloppy defending.

Now battling to overturn a two goal deficit, Seattle clicked on from the second half restart.  It was Alonso who lit the fire, with a dazzling run in the 47th minute but his powerful shot was extinguished by Laguna's Sanchez and the chance went begging.  Neagle took the pitch in the 61st minute and things began to open up immediately.  Initially playing the ball in for Steve Zakuani, Neagle poked home the deflected shot in the 73rd to pull Seattle within one.  Ten minutes later, Caskey looped in a deadly cross that was met by Shalrie Joseph at close range.  However, the headed ball was snatched up by the ever present Sanchez and Santos would coast to victory in the final minutes.

The result comes as a hard pill to swallow, but its a marked improvement from being eaten alive in the same fixture a year ago.  And it may come as little consolation, but a 1-1 draw is a respectable finish considering the Estadio Corona is among the most brutal arenas on the continent.  With full bias intended, the Sounders could not have done it without the aid of their former Battery players.  Its exciting to see our Charleston alums flourishing at the top flight of the American game and I'm sure many more will follow in their footsteps!

Well done lads!!  And as always, UP THE BATTERY!!!


(photo credit:  Sounders Facebook page)