Vancouver Whitecaps FC bounced back from their midweek heartbreak in the Amway Canadian Championship final by seizing their first MLS road win of the season.
They didn’t make it easy for themselves, however, conceding a Greg Klazura own goal before digging deep and scoring twice through Jordan Harvey and Designated Player Kenny Miller to take down the New York Red Bulls 2-1.
“It was obviously a fantastic result for us,” goalkeeper Brad Knighton said. “The bounce-back after midweek. Coming back from the goal was obviously huge for us, and we’re that close to turning this around.
Match Report:
New York Red Bulls 1-2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
“It’s been a bit disappointing the last couple of weeks. We haven’t lost, but we haven’t won either, so to put a performance in like this away from home and at New York, who is leading in the East, is something spectacular for this team.”
Harvey grabbing a goal was surely extra sweet, given he missed twice late on during the club’s 2-2 draw with the Montreal Impact, which wasn’t enough to secure the Voyageurs Cup.
“I think that with Jordan’s goal, and I think with all these guys in there, they got character and they don’t get down for too long, they fight back,” head coach Martin Rennie said. “Jordan got his rewards today, obviously he was as disappointed as anyone, you know, that we didn’t win the cup, but today he scored a very important goal, and [had] an excellent performance.”
OPTA Chalkboard:
Vancouver benefit from poor Red Bulls finishing
He was one of a number of players who haven’t played a lot of minutes this season who stepped in to play a part in this win. Matt Watson put in a good shift in central midfield in the absence of Nigel Reo-Coker (suspension) and Gershon Koffie (injury). Klazura slotted in well at right back, but was unfortunate to redirect the ball into his own goal before coming off with an injury.
“We’ve got a very deep squad and everybody’s contributed this year,” Knighton said. “It’s a testament to Martin and the coaching staff to be able to select guys that can come in, step in to play a role and know their specific role and do it well.
“From now on he’s going to have some lineup positions where he’s going to have to decide on who he’s going to play, because people have taken their chances and that’s what it’s all about.”
