SAINT PAUL, MN – Vancouver Whitecaps FC recorded a dramatic 1-1 draw against Western Conference side Minnesota United FC this Saturday evening at Allianz Field.
The first half began quickly with pressure in the final third from the ‘Caps, leading to Brian White’s chest control and subsequent volley striking the crossbar inside the first minute of the match. The 'Caps continued to be on the front foot, with Julian Gressel hitting a volley of his own on target in the sixth minute, which was saved by goalkeeper Clint Irwin.
Despite a relatively dominant first half from the 'Caps, it was the home side who would open the scoring. Late in the half, Ménder García’s header found the back of the net in the 40th minute of the match.
The second half saw the Blue & White start with another big chance, with Julian Gressel sending in a ball to Ryan Gauld, who’s header was saved in the 46th minute.
As the match progressed, a one touch build-up play was created by Simon Becher and White. In the end, White's effort would roll just outside of the far post in the 75th minute.
But the 'Caps would not be undone and would continue pushing until the final whistle. The Blue & White finally found the equalizer in added time. Following a cross from Pedro Vite, Simon Becher’s shot would sneak into the net right before the final whistle blew at Allianz Field.
The ‘Caps now tilt their heads towards a three-match homestand at BC Place starting next weekend. First up is an all-Canadian clash against CF Montréal on April 1, followed by Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal action against LAFC on April 5.
The stretch concludes with a Cascadia matchup versus Portland Timbers on April 8 in the club's annual Vaisakhi Night. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets
MATCH DETAILS
VWFC GE Appliances Player of Quality: Simon Becher
Attendance: 19,609
Referee: Rosendo Mendoza
Scoring Summary
40’ – MIN – Ménder García (Zarek Valentin, Wil Trapp)
90’+8’ – VAN – Simon Becher
Statistics
Possession: MIN 37.1% – VAN 62.9%
Shots: MIN 8 – VAN 23
Shots on Goal: MIN 2 – VAN 5
Saves: MIN 4 – VAN 2
Fouls: MIN 8 – VAN 10
Offsides: MIN 0 – VAN 3
Corners: MIN 2 – VAN 10
Cautions
54’ – VAN – Tristan Blackmon
58’ – MIN – Wil Trapp
64’ – MIN – Adrian Heath
73’ – VAN – Ali Ahmed
76’ – MIN – Miguel Tapias
89’ – VAN – Brian White
90’+2’ – MIN – Zaydan Bello
90’+2’ – MIN – Luis Amarilla
Minnesota United FC
1.Clint Irwin; 3.Zarek Valentin, 4.Miguel Tapias, 14.Brent Kallman, 27.D.J. Taylor; 23.Cameron Dunbar (34.Zaydan Bello 76’), 20.Wil Trapp ©, 31.Hassani Dotson, 7.Franco Fragapane (6.Mikael Marque 85’); 28.Ménder García (42.Emmanuel Iwe 66’), 9.Luis Amarilla
Substitutes not used
13.Eric Dick, 5.Doneil Henry, 16.Tani Oluwaseyi, 22.Devin Padelford, 29.Patrick Weah
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
18.Yohei Takaoka; 2.Mathías Laborda, 4.Ranko Veselinović, 6.Tristan Blackmon, 27.Ryan Raposo (22.Ali Ahmed 59’); 19.Julian Gressel, 16.Sebastian Berhalter (29.Simon Becher 70’), 8.Alessandro Schöpf (26.J.C. Ngando 82’); 11.Cristian Dájome (7.Déiber Caicedo 82’), 25.Ryan Gauld © (45.Pedro Vite 60’); 24.Brian White
Substitutes not used
1.Thomas Hasal, 32.Isaac Boehmer, 12.Karifa Yao, 52.Vasco Fry
