The Vancouver Whitecaps climbed into first place in the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings with a well-fought 2-0 win over NYCFC at BC Place.
Mathías Laborda had the game-winning goal just before the half, and Brian White got the insurance goal late in the match.
Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen called New York City “a very difficult opponent to come up against.”
“[NYCFC] do a couple of things that opponents usually don’t do, and they put you into situations that you don’t find yourself in very often,” Sørensen said. “But…I think we kept them away from many open chances.”
It was one-way traffic for the most part throughout the first half. The home side dominated in opportunities, with shots at nine to one.
Brian White was the most dangerous player on the pitch, taking seven shots for 0.94 xG. However, the American striker was up against a hot American goalkeeper in Matt Freese.
On numerous occasions, Freese showed why he’s the likely candidate for the USMNT in this year’s World Cup. In particular, two saves on headers from White kept NYCFC in the match.
But the continuous onslaught from the Whitecaps proved too much for the visitors.
A last-play, free kick from Sebastian Berhalter found a streaking Laborda coming into the far post. Laborda got a foot on the cross, redirecting the ball past Freese. There was little the goalkeeper could do as the Whitecaps headed down the tunnel with a well-deserved lead at the half.
The Whitecaps invited pressure in the second half. NYCFC fought hard to move the ball forward, but for all their effort, found little by way of chances.
In fact, it was the Whitecaps, with only 36 per cent of possession in the second half, who had the bulk of dominant opportunities.
The home side did well with their limiting possession, pressuring Freese throughout the match. It finally paid off in the 87th minute.
Bruno Caicedo cut into the opponent’s 18-yard box and delivered an excellent cross for White. The striker dove into the ball, sending it with force into the back of the net.
The goal capped a strong night for White. It was the 700th regular-season goal for the Whitecaps in MLS.
Whitecaps top the table
The win placed Vancouver back on top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, tied on points with the San Jose Earthquakes but ahead on goal difference.
Their record and their style of play have contributed to record attendances so far this season. This afternoon’s attendance was 25,460.
“We have a great atmosphere now here in the stadium. And even though we play at home every time, a lot of people show up. It’s great to be a part of and hope they enjoy what they see,” Sorensen said.
According to the Daily Hive, the Whitecaps have witnessed a 24.5 per cent increase in attendance figures so far this season.
White dominates the attack
No one deserved a goal more than White in this match. The striker was active throughout the match, and his persistence was ultimately rewarded with a late goal.
“I think Brian has been involved a lot in our finishing chances. And even though you miss a few chances, because you will, I think he has kept his composure and kept believing in his own abilities,” Sørensen said.
White ended the match with 10 shots and a 70 per cent shot accuracy. He created 2.11 xG in chances.
For his part, White said his mentality is “to just keep going.”
“Obviously, I had a number of chances. Got them on frame, some good saves, maybe some shots I could have done a little better with…We just keep going, trying to score and eventually, we had a good ball, and I got that goal,” he said.
Up next
The Whitecaps stay at BC Place next weekend, where they will take on Sporting Kansas City. That match is on April 17.
Kick off is at 7:30 p.m.
