VANCOUVER B次元官网网址� The new-look Vancouver Whitecaps fought hard but came up just short in their 2019 MLS season opener, dropping a 3-2 decision to Minnesota United on Saturday at B.C. Place.
Erik Godoy and Doneil Henry scored for the Whitecaps.
Darwin Quintero, Francisco Calvo and Romario Ibarra replied for Minnesota.
It was Marc Dos SantosB次元官网网址檚 first match as VancouverB次元官网网址檚 head coach.
He has been tasked with bringing together a roster that includes new 14 off-season signings, including goaltender Maxime Crepeau.
Dos Santos, a native of Montreal, spent last season working as an assistant coach with LAFC.
One half, two goals, four cards.
B次元官网网址� Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC)
VAN 1-1 MIN |
On Saturday, Whitecaps defender Godoy ignited the sold-out crowd of 27,837 at B.C. Place early, using his right foot to tip a free kick by Jordy Reyna past Minnesota keeper Vito Mannone in the sixth minute. It was VancouverB次元官网网址檚 only shot on target in the first half.
In the 32nd minute, MinnesotaB次元官网网址檚 captain Calvo threatened when he hit the bar behind Crepeau with a left-footed shot. Quintero levelled the score in the 37th minute, connecting on a penalty kick after Jakob Nerwinzki fouled Calvo in the box. Quintero easily deposited his shot high to the corner of the net, over the outstretched Crepeau.
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In the second half, Minnesota took its first lead in the 66th minute when when Calvo headed a cross from Quintero past Crepeau, quieting the crowd. Ibarra quickly added an insurance goal in the 70th minute to make it 3-1.
Henry pulled Vancouver back within one in the 81st minute when he converted a corner kick with a perfect header. Victor Giro and Hwang In-Beom drew the assists. Though they pressed as time wound down, the Whitecaps were not able to connect with an equalizing goal.
Vancouver and Minnesota split their two-match season series in 2018, with each club winning at home.
The Whitecaps now hit the road for two games, with matches against Real Salt Lake and the Houston Dynamo. Their next appearance at B.C. Place comes on March 30 against the Seattle Sounders.
NOTES: Ring of Honour member Carl Valentine was on hand to help kick off the season-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the WhitecapsB次元官网网址� 1979 Soccer Bowl victory in the North American Soccer League.
B次元官网网址淲ithout that B次元官网网址�79 championship, we may not have the Whitecaps in MLS today."
B次元官网网址� Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC)
This season, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl champions. This is their story.
THE CANADIAN PRESS
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