BRONX, NY – Substitute Erik Hurtado scored a late equalizer as Vancouver Whitecaps FC (8W-9L-6D) clawed back to draw 2-2 versus Supporters’ Shield contenders New York City FC (13W-5L-5D) on Saturday evening.
The ‘Caps earned the road point despite missing a number of key players in Kendall Waston and Efrain Juarez due to suspension, and while resting Kei Kamara, Doneil Henry, and Jake Nerwinski. It was only the second time a visiting side came away from Yankee Stadium with a point this season in 12 NYCFC home matches.
Hurtado’s 87th minute heroics came after NYCFC held the advantage for most of the second half, as the hosts bookended halftime with a pair of goals to go up 2-1.
Nicolás Mezquida put the ‘Caps in the driver seat in the 22nd minute on a breakaway. After winning possession in their own half, Bernie Ibini flicked the ball towards Mezquida. The Uruguayan dribbled towards goal then punished the NYCFC defence with a shot from distance that found the bottom corner.
New York City FC’s constant pressure eventually paid off for the home side as they equalized in first half added time. Jesus Medina received the ball inside the box and fired a shot to bring the score level at 1-1 heading into the break. The home side carried their momentum into the second half as they took the lead in the opening minutes. After latching onto a long ball from Maximiliano Moralez, Jo Inge Berget sent a low ball across the six-yard box that was met by Valentin Castellanos who redirected the ball into the net.
Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson subbed on Hurtado in the second half, and Brek Shea moved to left back in the comeback effort. The adjustments paid off as Shea put in a cross towards the back post that was finished off by a Hurtado volley to knot the score at 2-2 in the dying minutes.
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.
MATCH DETAILS
Budweiser Man of the Match: Russell Teibert
Referee: JC Rivero
Attendance: 20,802
Scoring Summary
22’ – VAN – Nicolás Mezquida (Bernie Ibini)
45’+1 – NYC – Jesus Medina (Anton Tinnerholm, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi)
46’ – NYC – Valentin Castellanos (Jo Inge Berget, Maximiliano Moralez)
87’ – VAN – Erik Hurtado (Brek Shea, Russell Teibert)
Statistics
Possession: NYC 72.7% – VAN 27.3%
Shots: NYC 22 – VAN 8
Shots on Goal: NYC 4 – VAN 5
Saves: NYC 3 – VAN 2
Fouls: NYC 20 – VAN 5
Offsides: NYC 1 – VAN 2
Corners: NYC 13 – VAN 2
Duels won: NYC 46 – VAN 53
Tackles won: NYC 9 – VAN 15
Cautions
55’ – NYC – Ronald Matarrita
68’ – NYC – Maximiliano Moralez
89’ – NYC – Alexander Callens
New York City FC
41.Brad Stuver; 3.Anton Tinnerholm, 4.Maxime Chanot ©, 6.Alexander Callens, 22.Ronald Matarrita; 10.Maximiliano Moralez, 8.Alexander Ring, 19.Jesus Medina; 11.Valentin Castellanos (14.Kwame Awuah 65’), 9.Jo Inge Berget (17.Jonathan Lewis 75’), 29.Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (2.Ben Sweat 82’)
Substitutes not used
18.Jeff Caldwell, 15.Thomas McNamara, 23.Rodney Wallace, 33.Sebastien Ibeagha
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.Stefan Marinovic; 3.Sean Franklin, 66.Aly Ghazal, 22.Aaron Maund, 46.Brett Levis (29.Yordy Reyna 69‘); 7.Bernie Ibini (67.Alphonso Davies 54’), 8.Felipe, 31.Russell Teibert ©, 20.Brek Shea; 11.Nicolás Mezquida, 9.Anthony Blondell (19.Erik Hurtado HT)
Substitutes not used
12.Brian Rowe, 13.Cristian Techera, 17.Marcel de Jong, 24.David Norman Jr.
