VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC earned an important 2-1 victory against Western Conference side Colorado Rapids on Wednesday evening at BC Place. The result moved the 'Caps above the playoff line for the first time this season.
The first half started quickly for the ‘Caps. After wingback Julian Gressel gained control of the ball on the right channel of the field, the German then placed a quick ball inside the area to attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld, who’s deft strike opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the match.
With the Blue & White’s pressure continuing throughout the first half, Gauld would find himself winning the ball back in the Rapids half in the 40th minute, which followed with a darting run as the Scottish midfielder tucked home his brace to double his squad’s advantage to 2-0.
The second half of the match began with a strong save from goalkeeper Thomas Hasal in the 47th minute of the match, parrying away a curled shot from Rapids winger Jonathan Lewis.
Colorado would find a goal in the 76th minute. Following a run inside the box from Lewis, the winger’s quick attempt was then followed by a right footed rebound from forward Gyasi Zardes.
Despite the Rapids pushing on in the late stages of the match, the final whistle blew at BC Place with the hosts claiming three points, reaching the playoff line in the process.
Up next for the ‘Caps is a matchup away from home against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium this coming Saturday, August 20. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT. You can catch all the action live on TSN and AM730.
Following this road tilt, the Blue & White return home for another crucial match as they host Nashville SC in Women & Girls in Sport Match at BC Place on Saturday, August 27, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
MATCH DETAILS
VWFC GE Appliances Player of Quality: Ryan Gauld
Attendance: 14,682
Referee: Filip Dujic
Scoring Summary
14’ – VAN – Ryan Gauld (Julian Gressel)
40’ – VAN – Ryan Gauld
76’ – COL – Gyasi Zardes
Statistics
Possession: VAN 43.2% – COL 56.8%
Shots: VAN 8 – COL 15
Shots on Goal: VAN 3 – COL 4
Saves: VAN 3 – COL 0
Fouls: VAN 14 – COL 11
Offsides: VAN 4 – COL 1
Corners: VAN 4 – COL 2
Cautions
90’+7’ – COL – Ralph Priso
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.Thomas Hasal; 23.Javain Brown (28.Jake Nerwinski 34’), 4.Ranko Veselinović, 6.Tristan Blackmon; 19.Julian Gressel (14.LuÃs Martins 85’), 20.Andrés Cubas, 16.Sebastian Berhalter, 2.Marcus Godinho (31.Russell Teibert 68’); 25.Ryan Gauld ©, 18.Alessandro Schöpf (27.Ryan Raposo HT); 9.Lucas Cavallini (87.Tosaint Ricketts 86’)
Substitutes not used
55.Cody Cropper, 17.Leonard Owusu, 26.Florian Jungwirth, 45.Pedro Vite,
Colorado Rapids
22. William Yarbrough ©; 2.Keegan Rosenberry, 24.Gustavo Vallecilla (6.Lalas Abubakar 60’), 4.Danny Wilson, 33.Steven Beitashour (77.Darren Yapi 90’+2’); 13.Felipe Gutiérrez (32.Collen Warner 80’); 15.Sam Nicholson (12.Michael Barrios 60’), 11.Diego Rubio, 7.Jonathan Lewis, 8.Max (97.Ralph Priso 80’); 29.Gyasi Zardes
Substitutes not used
1.Clint Irwin, 3.Drew Moor, 31.Anthony Markanich
