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Garcia's two goals help Fusion women earn tie


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Oxnard College graduate Tenley Garcia came off the bench to score the first two goals in the history of the Ventura County Fusion women's soccer team Saturday night against the 2006 W-League champions.

Garcia scored twice in the final seven minutes, both off crosses from striker Emily Wynn, as the Fusion earned its first W-League point, a 2-2 draw Saturday night against the Vancouver Whitecaps before 2,432 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia.

"It was sheer work," said coach Michelle Myers. "A natural goalscorer just looking for that little opportunity. Tenley made the best of the opportunities that were giving to her."

One of the few Fusion players to come out of the team's open tryout, Garcia came on for Katie Osborne in the 76th minute and was on the field for all four goals.

"It was pretty intense," said Garcia.

The Whitecaps (0-0-1), who started with veteran U.S. international Tiffeny Milbrett and rising Canadian star Jodi-Ann Robinson, took a 1-0 lead on Jonelle Filigno's goal.

Canadian star striker Christine Sinclair, one of the world's top players, watched from the stands.

Garcia got to Wynn crosses for Fusion goals in the 83rd and 88th minutes.

"Emily had a fantastic game for 90 minutes," said Myers. "She gave it her all and made it happen."

Wynn was one of four players that arrived in the Pacific Northwest after the Fusion fell 1-0 Thursday at the Seattle Sounders and played 90 minutes Saturday, including defender Ashley Copp, fullback Brianna Caceres and holding midfielder Catherine Calvert.

Striker Emily Zurrer gave the Whitecaps an equalizer in the 90th minute with a headed goal.

"I think it's a little bittersweet in that you're up by a goal in the 90th minute and they launch a goal to the back post," said Myers. "We'll still take that point."

Fusion men see red again in San Jose: Midfielder Jose Munoz scored with 20 minutes to play as the host San Jose Frogs stayed in first place in the Premier Development League's Southwest Division with a 2-1 win over the nine-man Ventura County Fusion at Lick High in San Jose.

For the second straight season, the Fusion had two players sent off in San Jose. Jaime Ambriz was shown a straight red card in the 77th minute and captain Alfonso Motagalvan earned a second yellow card four minutes later.

The Fusion (0-1-2) remains winless on the new season and extended its winless streak to five games dating back to July 11, 2007.

The Fusion had equalized in the 47th minute when Ambriz was fouled in the penalty area and English defender Lee Stevens converted the spotkick.

San Jose opened the scoring after five minutes from a Fusion corner when striker Nelson Diaz scored direct from a punt from goalkeeper Sergio Valle.

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