February 18, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – Vancouver Whitecaps FC wrapped up their impressive preseason with a dominating performance on Saturday morning earning a 2-0 victory over Minnesota United FC at Empire Polo Club.
Both of the ‘Caps goals came in the second half as central midfielder Julian Gressel scored a right-footed volley from in close and attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld hit a left-footed strike from the top of the 18-yard box.
Today was the ‘Caps sixth game at the Coachella Valley Invitational posting an undefeated record of 3W-0L-3D, while recording four clean sheets.
The team will now fly back to Vancouver this afternoon following nearly three weeks in Southern California. The ‘Caps will take the next two days off before a full week of training as they prepare for the 2023 MLS season opener against Western Conference rivals Real Salt Lake at BC Place on Saturday, February 25. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets
Tickets are available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets. Once again, head coach Vanni Sartini side started in a 4-3-2-1 formation as newest addition goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka made his preseason debut after officially being announced on Friday afternoon.
Vancouver looked to strike early with a couple big chances in the first 10 minutes.
In the sixth minute, Gressel sent striker Brian White in behind Minnesota’s backline; however, Loons keeper and Canadian international Dayne St. Clair saved White’s shot from in close.
The ‘Caps continued to press and a couple minutes later Gressel found Vite wide open on the left wing. The Ecuadorian crossed it to Cristian Dájome, after the Colombian took a touch to bring it down near the penalty mark, his shot was blocked to keep it scoreless.
In the 20th minute, Takaoka got his first bit of action as Minnesota looked to hit Vancouver on the counter. Bongokuhle Hlongwane played United’s Designated Player Luis Amarilla in on goal. The Paraguayan international unleashed a strike at goal that forced Takaoka to make a diving save to his right.
In the 26th minute, White appeared to open the scoring after some nice play by Javain Brown, Gressel and White. However, on the final pass from Gressel, White was called for offside.
Following a few chances by Minnesota, Whitecaps FC nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime. Off a corner, Pedro Vite whipped the ball back post, Brown headed it down to White who then…
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