Mike Ramos scored two second-half goals on Thursday as the Spokane Shadow beat the Vancouver Victory FC 2-1 in front of 425 fans at McKenzie Stadium.
Jamoy Stevens scored from an Enrique Esparza corner kick in the 77th minute for Vancouver. Victory FC had several late scoring chances but could not produce the tying goal.
Despite the loss, Vancouver remains in contention for the Evergreen Premier League title because Seattle Stars FC beat South Sound FC 2-0 on Thursday. Vancouver and South Sound lead the league with 25 points. South Sound has two matches left. Vancouver’s only remaining match is on July 20 at home against South Sound.
Spokane, which has three matches left, pulled within two points of the leaders.
“We’re better than we showed today. We played the last 25 minutes, that’s about it,” Victory coach Biniam Afenegus said.
Vancouver was without midfielder Nick Palodichuk and center back Tyler Weber because of injuries. Palodichuk was held out as a precaution after hurting an ankle in the Sunday match against the Shadow in Spokane.
