VANCOUVER, BC - Fredy Montero came off the bench to score a dramatic game-winner in the dying moments as Vancouver Whitecaps FC dealt a crucial blow to Houston Dynamo’s playoff hopes with a 2-1 victory on Saturday night.
It was a frantic finish to an eventful evening at BC Place that saw the two Western Conference foes go back and forth in the second half, with Inbeom Hwang and Mauro Manotas trading goals after halftime.
The first half saw the ‘Caps manage the match well, showing composure with their possession but just unable to translate it into a goal. It did not take long into the second frame, however, for the home side to be rewarded when Yordy Reyna’s direct free kick attempt was handled by Manotas in the Dynamo wall to win the ‘Caps a penalty. The call stood following video review, and Hwang slotted in the ensuing kick from the spot with ease to open the scoring.
Houston would answer in the 78th minute. The Dynamo had the ball pinging from side to side, eventually leading to a long shot from Maynor Figueroa. 'Caps goalkeeper Zac MacMath parried the initial attempt away but Manotas was alert to the rebound to draw the visitors level.
The 'Caps did not relent, receiving a boost from their bench in both Montero and Theo Bair. With mere seconds remaining in regulation time, Ali Adnan pushed forward and connected with Bair, who did well to keep possession inside the box, before setting up Montero on the left side for his seventh goal of the year.
Whitecaps FC look to string consecutive wins next Saturday when they host Columbus Crew SC. Kickoff at BC Place is at 2 p.m. Visit whitecapsfc.com for ticket information.
CORNERS FOR HEARING: Whitecaps FC had three corners in tonight’s match, which means Connect Hearing will donate $300 to Hear the World Foundation.
LEGENDS & STARS CHARITY MATCH, PRESENTED BY DAILY HIVE: Prior to the MLS fixture, the club held the third annual Legends & Stars charity soccer match. Among this year’s players was Vancouver-born actor Jacob Tremblay, best known for his starring roles in Room, Wonder, and most recently Good Boys. He was joined by joined Jensen Ackles from Supernatural, Ross Lynch from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, as well as cast from The 100, Riverdale, Siren, A Million Little Things, and more. All proceeds will be donated to Whitecaps FC community partners. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was at hand, presenting a $10,000 donation to Whitecaps FC community partners at halftime of the charity match.
MATCH DETAILS
WFC Man of the Match: Inbeom Hwang
Referee: Robert Sibiga
Attendance: 17,382
Scoring Summary
54’ – VAN – Inbeom Hwang (penalty kick)
78’ – HOU – Mauro Manotas
90’ – VAN – Fredy Montero (Theo Bair, Ali Adnan)
Statistics
Possession: VAN 48.5% – HOU 51.5%
Shots: VAN 6 – HOU 18
Shots on Goal: VAN 4 – HOU 5
Saves: VAN 5 – HOU 2
Fouls: VAN 8 – HOU 9
Offsides: VAN 1 – HOU 2
Corners: VAN 3 – HOU 6
Cautions
30’ – VAN – Ali Adnan
42’ – HOU – Matías Vera
66’ – VAN – Inbeom Hwang
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
18.Zac MacMath; 23.Scott Sutter, 2.Doneil Henry ©, 13.Derek Cornelius, 53.Ali Adnan; 4.Inbeom Hwang, 15.Andy Rose, 31.Russell Teibert; 29.Yordy Reyna (19.Lass Bangoura 90’+5’), 87.Tosaint Ricketts (12.Fredy Montero 82’), 33.Michaell Chirinos (50.Theo Bair 71‘)
Substitutes not used
39.Sean Melvin, 6.Jon Erice, 9.Joaquin Ardaiz, 20.Jasser Khmiri
Houston Dynamo
23.Joe Willis; 18.José Bizama, 2.Alejandro Fuenmayor, 15.Maynor Figueroa, 3.Adam Lundkvist; 22. Matías Vera, 27.Boniek García ©; 10.Tomás Martínez (17.Alberth Elis 61’), 11.Tommy McNamara (8.Memo Rodríguez 71’), 13.Christian Ramirez (21.Ronaldo Peña 83’); 9.Mauro Manotas
Substitutes not used
1.Tyler Deric, 7.DaMarcus Beasley, 16.Kevin Garcia, 24.Darwin Cerén
