MARIETTA, GA - Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Sean Melvin and the MLS Homegrown team drew 1-1 versus Tigres UANL U-20 in a wild end-to-end friendly at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on Tuesday evening.
Melvin came on as a halftime substitute in the showcase of the league's burgeoning talent, and was put to the test against the reigning Liga MX U-20 Clausura champions. The Victoria, BC keeper dealt with a tricky bouncing free kick in the 66th minute, then made a clean save two minutes later against Tigres midfielder Jesús Garza.
Melvin's fellow Canadian and WFC Residency product Liam Fraser, representing Toronto FC, had the Homegrowns ahead at the half, pouncing on a free kick from hometown kid and Homegrown Game MVP Andrew Carleton.
FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira had a second-half goal overturned upon video review. The official ruled that Melvin had handled the ball after having already dropped it inside the box to begin the play.
Instead, Tigres UANL U-20 were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box, which Adrián Garza turned into a 77th-minute equalizer.
Tigres played the final 12 minutes down a man after Jorge Cruz was sent off with a straight red card, but neither team would find the net and the entertaining exhibition ended in a 1-1 deadlock.
Festivities at MLS All-Star continue tomorrow evening when Alphonso Davies and the MLS All-Stars take on Italian giants Juventus FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. PT live on TSN.
Following the MLS All-Star break, the 'Caps resume MLS action with a visit to New York City FC on Saturday, August 4. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. live on TSN2. The 'Caps are back home on Wednesday, August 8 when they host Toronto FC in the first leg of the Canadian Championship final at BC Place. Visit whitecapsfc.com for ticket information.
