The Tacoma Tide have not lost a home match at Curtis High School Stadium since July 14th, 2006. With a shutout for Jordan Jennings Friday night, the Tide have now played 14 straight home matches without conceding a loss. With a big match up between the surging Vancouver Whitecaps looming on Saturday night, the Tide rested a few usual starters and gave opportunities to others for the start. The coaching staff was rewarded with an excellent display for the first time starters.

Along with the newcomers to the lineup, Daniel Fadida, Daniel Phelps, and Taylor Mueller (hasn’t started the last few games), the usual suspects were also on top of their game. Rory ago added to his tally with his 7th goal of the season in the 33rd minute. Just a few minutes after missing a good opportunity, Agu made up for it with an excellent solo effort. The effort wasn’t entirely done alone as Fadida played a well weighted pass through. Agu utilized his patented spin move and turned the center back onto goal. With the keeper rushing, Agu placed the ball into the bottom right corner to give the Tide the breakthrough.

The Tide continued to push in the second half and would have gone up 2-0 in the 67th minute if not for a tremendous slide tackle by Abbotsford defender, Goran Vitic. With Rory Agu and Chase Tangney running through in what looked like a two on one with the keeper, Vitic slid from behind for a beautiful and clean tackle. Both teams had chances throughout the match. The two-way game yielded a few good chances for Adrian Kekec, the Mariners #9. Kekec looked to be the most dangerous Abbotsford player.

Finally, in the 82nd minute the Tide put the match out of reach. A series of one touch passes along the right side of midfield worked the ball to Cam Vickers near the corner flag. Vickers’ cross met Rafael Cox who smartly headed back across goal to Dennis Sanchez for a diving header goal.

The Tide turn right around for a Saturday night class with a 3rd place Vancouver Whitecaps side at Curtis High School Stadium. Kickoff is 7:05pm.