VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC recorded a 3-2 victory against Western Conference rivals Minnesota United FC this Saturday evening at BC Place, extending their unbeaten streak to eight matches, tying the longest run in MLS this season.
NOTES:
- Forward Brian White scored his team-leading sixth goal in all competitions, and 50th career professional goal
- Whitecaps FC finally saw their club record MLS shutout streak come to an end at 443 minutes
- The club's record home shutout streak at BC Place ended at 388 minutes
The 'Caps would strike first. Andrés Cubas won the ball in midfield and played a quick through pass to spring forward Brian White on a breakaway. White then kept his composure with a low strike to open the scoring in the 17th minute.
Minnesota would level the game 16 minutes later. Following a corner kick, the ball would deflect its way inside the box to defender Michael Boxall to barely get it across the line in the 33rd minute.
As the half progressed, the 'Caps looked the most likely to score again. After another quickstrike counter, Julian Gressel whipped in a ball from the right flank of the field inside the area. White’s shot would be followed by a strong reactionary leg save from Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
The 'Caps then had one more chance right before the halftime whistle. White was again in on goal, with the ball popping out to Ryan Gauld, who whipped in a cross that was headed inches wide by Pedro Vite.
The second half would see the Blue White take the lead in the 52nd minute. Right after a corner kick, defender Ranko Veselinović’s header connected to White inside the box, as the forward found his brace.
The collision led to White leaving the match minutes later, but his substitute was ready to jump into the action.
In the 56th minute, Gauld sprung substitute Simon Becher with a quick pass into the final third. The forward’s first touch of the game would result in a goal to extend his squad’s lead to 3-1.
The Loons would get back on the board in the 65th minute. Sang Bin Jeong’s quick turn around play and strike inside the area would get his team back within one goal.
As the match neared its end, Minnesota swung momentum on their side. The Loons were in on goal in the 72nd minute, but Ménder GarcÃa’s first touch control and right footed attempt ended up denied by goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.
The ‘Caps now head on the road to open defence of their Canadian Championship title, visiting Canadian Premier League (CPL) club York United FC at York Lions Stadium. Kickoff is set for this Wednesday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m. PT. The match will be available to watch live on OneSoccer, fuboTV, and TELUS Optik TV channel 980, as well as on AM 730 radio.
Following that match, the 'Caps have two more road matches in MLS play at Portland Timbers on Saturday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 17.
Whitecaps FC are back at BC Place for Next Gen Night on Saturday, May 20 against Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC. Tickets are available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
MATCH DETAILS
VWFC GE Appliances Player of Quality: Brian White
Attendance: 14,047
Referee: Filip Dujic
Scoring Summary
17’ – VAN – Brian White (Andrés Cubas)
33’ – MIN – Michael Boxall
52’ – VAN – Brian White (Ranko Veselinović)
56’ – VAN – Simon Becher (Ryan Gauld)
65’ – MIN – Sang Bin Jeong (Robin Lod)
Statistics
Possession: VAN 47% – MIN 53%
Shots: VAN 17 – MIN 11
Shots on Goal: VAN 7 – MIN 5
Saves: VAN 3 – MIN 3
Fouls: VAN 8 – MIN 9
Offsides: VAN 1 – MIN 0
Corners: VAN 8 – MIN 5
Cautions
None
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
18.Yohei Takaoka; 23.Javain Brown, 4.Ranko Veselinović, 6.Tristan Blackmon, 14.LuÃs Martins (27.Ryan Raposo 78’); 19.Julian Gressel, 20.Andrés Cubas, 8.Alessandro Schöpf (31.Russell Teibert 64’); 45.Pedro Vite; 24.Brian White (29.Simon Becher 55’), 25.Ryan Gauld © (2.MathÃas Laborda 78’)
Substitutes not used
1.Thomas Hasal, 7.Déiber Caicedo, 9.Sergio Córdova, 16.Sebastian Berhalter, 22.Ali Ahmed
Minnesota United FC
97.Dayne St.Clair; 27.D.J. Taylor, 15.Michael Boxall, 4.Miguel Tapias, 92.Kemar Lawrence; 20.Wil Trapp © (31.Hassani Dotson 78’), 17.Robin Lod; 21.Bongokuhle Hlongwane (28.Ménder GarcÃa 66’), 11.Sang Bin Jeong, 7.Franco Fragapane (14.Brent Kallman 66’); 9.Luis Amarilla (8.Joseph Rosales 29’)
Substitutes not used
1.Clint Irwin, 13.Eric Dick, 3.Zarek Valentin, 23.Cameron Dunbar
