Vancouver Whitecaps FC snapped a three-game losing streak and won at home for the first time at home since opening day, as they defeated Real Salt Lake 2-0 at BC Place on Friday.
It appeared the hosts would open the scoring 15 minutes in, with Anthony Blondell streaking towards goal on a breakaway with seemingly only Nick Rimando to beat. But RSL defender Justen Glad made an inch-perfect tackle in the box to prevent the shot on target, an outstanding individual play by the Homegrown product.
In the second half, the Whitecaps had an agonizingly close chance around the hour mark, but Brek Shea’s half-volley at the back post clanged off both posts and the crossbar before bouncing away from the net.
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute, as Cristian Techera scored from the penalty spot after Nick Besler conceded a foul in the box against Nicolas Mezquida. But Techera celebrated by taking his jersey off, earned a second yellow card as a result, and was sent off immediately.
Substitute Alphonso Davies set up Blondell for an insurance tally a couple minutes later and the Whitecaps emerged with three points.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The win was much-needed by Vancouver, and getting Techera and Blondell off the mark is good moving forward, although Techera’s red card is a negative on the night, continuing the team’s woes in that department. RSL will feel hard done by the result, but couldn’t find the breakthrough to take a lead on the road and put Vancouver under pressure.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: No question, Techera’s penalty and celebration leading to his second yellow card of the night was a moment of triumph and unintentional comedy, especially as his teammates appeared to shield him and put his shirt back on as quickly as possible, to no avail.
Soooo, Techera scores from the spot…but then gets his second yellow for taking off his jersey in the celebration. #VANvRSL https://t.co/0uP4Q9vmKQ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 28, 2018
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Davies came off the bench and played 28 minutes, but his appearance in the match lifted Vancouver’s attack immediately, and he set up Blondell’s first goal in MLS.
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