Toronto FC 1: 2 Vancouver Whitecaps
Toronto FC’s torrid campaign continued as they slumped to a 1-2 defeat against Canadian rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps, leaving the reds six points adrift at the foot of the Eastern conference.
After a promising performance in their last fixture with a 3-1 win against Philadelphia, fans were looking for a solid performance to maintain a winning streak and claim national pride.
Despite edging possession throughout the game they were unable to carve out as many chances and Vancouver proved to be more clinical when they had the ball.
The first half was evenly matched and although neither side was able to break the deadlock it provided spectators with entertaining soccer.
Vancouver started the second half strongly looking for the opener. But it was Toronto who grabbed the opening goal after 50 minutes on the counter attack, as Lorenzo Insigne played through Deandre Kerr who was able to beat Yohei Takaoka in goal for his fifth goal of the season.
The lead didn’t last long though as Vancouver responded like a side who look capable of going deep into the playoffs this season, American defender Tristan Blackmon heading home the equalizer from a corner, six minutes after his side went behind.
The Whitecaps maintained the pressure as they searched for a second goal. They almost found it on the 61st minute but Ryan Rappso’s effort smacked against the crossbar.
Vancouver got their reward on the 66th minute when Ryan Gauld found Brian White in the box with a drifting cross. White was able to break free from centre back Michael Bradley to head the winning goal past Tomas Romero.
In truth Vancouver could have scored more than 2 but Romero pulled off some excellent saves to deny the Whitecaps attack, stopping White from adding to his tally of 3 goals in 4 games.
Gauld was also unable to get his name on the scoresheet, the Scottish attacker who has 11 goals and 10 assists this season looked dangerous in the second half, linking up well with White, but couldn ‘t work his chance to add to his goal tally.
The victory leaves Vancouver 4th in the Western conference having played fewer games than the teams above them. If they can remain consistent until the end of the regular season they’ll be one of the favourites to win the Western division.
Toronto meanwhile will be looking to build on an improved performance and become more of a goal threat for the remainder of this year.
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Vancouver Whitecaps to win the MLS Western division
