VANCOUVER, B.C - AThe Whitecaps look to take the second of a home-and-home series, this time in CONCACAF Champions League play at home to Sporting Kansas City.
The Opening 45
The Whitecaps got off to a blazing start, with an early goal from Cristian Techera. A bad turnover from Sporting defender Kevin Ellis led to a high, looping cross from Erik Hurtado which met the head of the diminutive Cristian Techera and nestled into the back of the net.
Moments later, another SKC turnover, this time in the Vancouver half was quickly turned up field by ‘Caps Canadian midfielder Russell Teibert. Teibert’s long ball, placed perfectly just outside the penalty area was greeted by a brilliant touch from Erik Hurtado that lofted over an on-rushing Jon Kempin and into the back of the net.
A very lively first half from all of the Whitecaps, including new signing Brett Levis who got his first start since signing an MLS deal with the first team. Towards the end of the first half, Sporting Kansas City received the benefit of the doubt on a few foul decisions that resulted in very little from the away side. Two-nil into the interval for the home side.
The Second Half
The Whitecaps continued their momentum into the second half. Matias Laba led the break in the 64th minute playing a ball into the path of Cristian Techera and once again he was able to compose himself and slot the ball past Kempin into the corner of the net, giving Vancouver a three goal lead.
Sporting attempted to mount a comeback and had a few chances off free kicks near the Whitecaps penalty area but Paolo Tornaghi and the Whitecaps defence stood tall.
The Whitecaps could consider themselves lucky after a late challenge inside their penalty area on Connor Hallisey was waved away by the Mexican referee, very easily could have been the turning point in a Sporting comeback.
A great performance that should surely give the ‘Caps some confidence into the weekend matchup at Los Angeles Galaxy. 3-0 final.
Man of the Match
Cristian Techera
A really tough decision tonight, but in the end it’s Cristian Techera that stood out above the rest of his side. 2 well taken goals, for a side that’s had their troubles finding the back of the net proved to be exactly what this team and the fan base needed to get back on track. Honourable mentions to Erik Hurtado and Matias Laba for their performances.
Vancouver Whitecaps Starting XI: 70.Paolo Tornaghi; 6.Jordan Smith, 4.Kendall Waston ©, 26.Tim Parker, 46.Brett Levis; 8.Fraser Aird, 15.Matías Laba (17.Andrew Jacobson 90'), 31.Russell Teibert, 13.Cristian Techera (67.Alphonso Davies 76'); 9.Masato Kudo, 19.Erik Hurtado (27.Blas Pérez 68').
Sporting Kansas City Starting XI: 1.Jon Kempin; 17.Saad Abdul-Salaam, 55.Amer Didic, 4.Kevin Ellis, 24.Ever Alvarado; 6.Paulo Nagamura ©, 93.Soni Mustivar (35.Ualefi 64'), 23.Emmanuel Appiah; 39.Cameron Porter, 9.Diego Rubio, 22.Connor Hallisey
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