Whitecaps blanked by Olimpia in Champions League
Nestor Martinez provides game-winner in 2nd half
Nestor Martinez scored on a spectacular free kick in the second half as C.D. Olimpia blanked the Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 on Thursday night in CONCACAF Champions League action.
The game didn't mean anything as the Seattle Sounders had already locked up top spot in the Group F standings.
Martinez used his left foot on the free kick in the 69th minute that left Vancouver goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi with no chance.
Olimpia controlled the majority of play in the first half, prompting Tornaghi to make a few key saves for the Whitecaps.
Vancouver striker Darren Mattocks created an opportunity in the 23rd minute by using some fancy footwork down the left side of the field before setting up Robert Earnshaw, who was unable to convert. Mattocks had another chance again late in the first half after dribbling into the box but lost possession.
The Whitecaps finished their first-ever CONCACAF Champions League season with a record of 1-2-1 and will play in the competition again next season as a result of winning the 2015 Amway Canadian Championship.
Vancouver manager Carl Robinson brought only 14 players to Honduras for the match as his team has been dealing with multiple injuries. The majority of the Whitecaps starters were left behind to prepare for their final regular season game on Sunday against Houston Dynamo at B.C. Place Stadium.
A win against Houston would secure the Whitecaps a home playoff game. A loss or draw, combined with other league results, could drop Vancouver to fifth or sixth place and put them on the road to begin the playoffs.
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