FOOTHILLS COUNTY, AB – Vancouver Whitecaps FC advanced to the semifinals of the Canadian Championship after drawing 1-1 in regulation against Cavalry FC and claiming a 5-3 victory in penalty kicks at ATCO Field in Foothills County, Alberta on Wednesday night.
Early on, the ‘Caps had a great chance to take the lead as Lucas Cavallini whipped a cross into the box for Déiber Caicedo, who’s header came off the top of the cross bar and out of play.
The Blue and White had another opportunity five minutes later as this time Cristián Gutiérrez played a cross into the area right onto the head of Cavallini but the Canadian international couldn’t direct his effort past Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci.
In the 39th minute, Vancouver once again troubled the Cavalry backline as Caicedo played Gutiérrez in behind the home side’s back line. The Canadian international drove a low ball across the area, with Ryan Gauld forcing a big save out of Carducci to keep the match scoreless.
Despite the ‘Caps chances, both sides would go into the halftime interval level at 0-0.
Fast forward to the 71st minute, Cavalry would take the 1-0 lead through forward Myer Bevan, who’s effort from distance found the back of the net.
Just 14 minutes later, the ‘Caps would get their equalizer as Caicedo whipped a corner into the path of Érik Godoy to direct his header into the far post to make it 1-1.
Substitute Cristian Dájome had an opportunity to give the ‘Caps the lead in stoppage time but he couldn’t direct his effort past Carducci in the Cavalry goal.
Neither side could find the winning goal in regulation, meaning the match would go to penalty kicks to decide a winner.
In the fourth round of the shootout, Cody Cropper came up big as he denied Cavalry midfielder Ali Musse to give the ‘Caps the advantage.
Gutiérrez would step up for the ‘Caps and would make no mistake, as he fired home his penalty into the bottom right corner to send Vancouver to the semifinals of the Canadian Championship.
The ‘Caps will now face York United FC at BC Place between June 21-23, with date and kickoff time to be confirmed.
Up next for the Blue and White is a trip to face Western Conference adversaries Sporting Kansas City this Saturday, May 28 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on TSN1 and AM730, with the radio pre-game show starting at 5 p.m. PT.
MATCH DETAILS
VWFC GE Appliances Player of Quality: Érik Godoy*
Referee*: Yusri Rudolf
Scoring Summary
72’ – CAV – Myer Bevan (José Escalante)
85’ – VAN – Érik Godoy (Déiber Caicedo)
Penalty Kicks
Scored – VAN – Lucas Cavallini
Scored – CAV – Myer Bevan
Scored – VAN – Déiber Caicedo
Scored – CAV – José Escalante
Scored – VAN – Cristian Dájome
Scored – CAV – Elliot Simmons
Scored – VAN – Leonard Owusu
Missed – CAV – Ali Musse
Scored – VAN – Cristián Gutiérrez
Statistics
Possession: CAV 43.9% – VAN 56.1%*
Shots:* CAV 9 – VAN 18*
Shots on Goal:* CAV 2 – VAN 5*
Saves:* CAV 4 – VAN 1*
Fouls:* CAV 13 – VAN 16*
Offsides: CAV 0 – VAN 3
Corners:* CAV 6 – VAN 10
Cautions
40’ – VAN – Michael Baldisimo
63’ – VAN – Javain Brown
71’ – VAN – Sebastian Berhalter
90+6’ – VAN – Ranko Veselinović
Cavalry FC
1.Marco Carducci; 4.Daan Klomp, 25.Karifa Yao, 5.Mason Trafford ©, 18.Bradley Vliet (24.David Norman Jr. 90+3’); 15.Elliot Simmons; 21.Jean-Aniel Assi (10.Sergio Camargo 67’), 13.Ali Musse, 6.Charlie Trafford (16.Victor Loturi 67’), 11.José Escalante; 9.Myer Bevan
Substitutes not used
12.Julian Roloff, 8.Elijah Adekugbe, 17.Benjamin Fisk, 23.Aribim Pepple
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
55.Cody Cropper; 22.Érik Godoy, 4.Ranko Veselinović, 23.Javain Brown (2.Marcus Godinho 74’); 27.Ryan Raposo (87.Tosaint Ricketts 62’), 31.Russell Teibert © (16.Sebastian Berhalter 51’), 33.Michael Baldisimo (17.Leonard Owusu 74’), 3.Cristián Gutiérrez; 25.Ryan Gauld (11.Cristian Dájome 62’); 9.Lucas Cavallini, 7.Déiber Caicedo
Substitutes not used
40.Ben Alexander, 2.Marcus Godinho, 26.Florian Jungwirth
