The Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Toronto FC 1-0 at BC Place after a last minute goal by Tosaint Ricketts earned the home side the much needed three points.
The Whitecaps kicked off stronger, controlling the narrative of the match before giving the edge to Toronto.
The visiting side had the opportunity to go up in the 30th minute after defender Ranko Veselinović committed a reckless handball inside the box to award the visitors a penalty. Alejandro Pozuelo stepped up to the spot, and attempted to bury the ball into the lower left corner but his mediocre attempt was no match for goalkeeper Thomas Hasal.
After going into halftime level at 0-0, Toronto returned to the pitch determined to get the goal. They almost accomplished the feat, inspiring a turbulent 65th minute play. Midfielder Kosi Thompson made a run down the right, finding Pozuelo inside the box to attempt the shot. Though Hasal made the initial save, Jayden Nelson found the rebound to complete the strike.
But before Toronto could celebrate, VAR ruled Nelson fouled Hasal in making the shot to disallow the goal.
It looked like the game was over, until Lucas Cavalini and Tosaint Ricketts connected for one last chance at goal. Cavallini came from the left, fighting off Toronto FC defenders to find Ricketts on the other end, who buried the shot into the goal for the 1-0 victory.
Despite the triumph, the Whitecaps remain in last place of the Western Conference table.
GK: Thomas Hasal – 10/10 – Great performance, necessary coverage and saved a penalty.
RB: Javain Brown – 8/10 – Good coverage, made the needed clearances.
CB: Erik Godoy – 8/10 – A solid game back after returning from injury. Brought composure and calm to the backline.
CB: Ranko Veselinović – 5/10 – But a couple necessary saves, but overpowered by the reckless handball inside the box that could’ve cost Vancouver the game.
CB: Jake Nerwinski- 7/10 – Fine on the left, but the weakest link in the backline.
LB: Cristian Dájome – 8/10 – Great involvement throughout, creative inside the box and able to find pockets of space to threaten.
CM: Russell Teibert – 7/10 – Inconsistent. Blended in way too easily, not the captain the team needs.
CAM: Ryan Gauld – 8/10 – Three shots, two on goal. Exciting when on the ball, and otherwise good pressure to find the opportunities.
CM: Sebastian Berhalter – 7.5/10 – Solid in the midfield, but be better when pushing forward. Still a little shaky on the ball.
F: Déiber Caicedo – 7.5/10 – A slow start to the first half before coming back stronger in the second 45. Played a supporting role, finding space and creating chances.
F: Brian White – 7.5/10 – Good pressure at the top, but must be more precise when finishing. A couple of loose opportunities that could have been capitalized on.
SUB: Cody Cropper (For Hasal, ’68) – 9/10 – Made an immediate save after coming off the bench, a good performance given the emergency.
SUB: Lucas Cavallini (For White, ’68) – 9/10 – Recorded the assist.
SUB: Ryan Raposo (For Dajome, ’68) – 7/10 – Decent.
SUB: Michael Baldisimo (For Berhalter, ’86) – N/A
SUB: Tosaint Ricketts (For Caidedo, ’86) – 10/10 – Came off the bench to score.
GK: Alex Bono – 9/10 – Solid, 5 necessary saves.
RB: Kosi Thompson – 8/10 – Good coverage, saw a moment of brilliance in the second half that inspired the almost goal.
CB: Kadin Chung – 7.5/10 – Decent performance, nothing special. Replaced at halftime as Bob Bradley opted for a more offensive approach to the second half.
CB: Lukas MacNaughton – 8/10 – Strongest backline figure. 2 very necessary clearances.
CB: Shane O’Neill – 7.5/10 – Held composure at the back.
LB: Luca Petrasso – 6.5/10 – Looked defeated towards the end, watched as the ball went into the net for the goal. No urgency.
RW: Alejandro Pozuelo – 6/10 – A couple opportunities but overshadowed by a terribly taken penalty.
CM: Deandre Kerr – 6.5/10 – Mediocre from the midfield, expected more power on the attack.
CM: Michael Bradley – 7.5/10 – A shaky start to the match, but otherwise a good example for the younger midfield to follow.
LW: Jayden Nelson – 8.5/10 – Eager to be part of the attack. Present throughout, and provided the best opportunities of the second half. Disallowed goal.
F: Jesús Jiménez – 6/10 – Disappointing. Zero shots on goal by a lone striker is not acceptable.
SUB: Jordan Perruzza (for Chung, ’45 ) – 7/10 – Could’ve done more with the time given.
SUB: Steffen Yeates (For Kerr, ’85) – N/A
SUB: Ayo Akinola (For Nelson, 86) – N/A
SUB: Paul Rothrock (For, O’Neill, ’93) – N/A
