March 9, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC opened their Concacaf Champions League campaign against Honduran side Real C.D. España with a 5-0 victory at BC Place this Wednesday evening.
Download: Post-match interviews
The match began with a strong save from Yohei Takaoka, as the goalkeeper continued his form by parrying an opportunity taken from Jhow Benavídez in the eighth minute.
After settling into the match, the ‘Caps continuing to push throughout the first half. Pedro Vite and Julian Gressel combined on a quick play following a corner, resulting in Gressel’s third assist in three matches to start the season. Tristan Blackmon got on the end of his cross with a header that opened the score in the 21st minute.
The second half saw the home side impose themselves in the match. Following a counter attack, Ryan Gauld sprung Ryan Raposo in the final third. He then cut inside and hit a strike from outside the box that would give his side a 2-0 lead in the 59th minute of the match.
Moments later, Gauld sent a through pass to Cristian Dájome, as his quick pass from the left side of the field deflected off of defender Devron García for an own goal in the 64th minute.
As the half progressed, Vancouver continued to create chances. In the 70th minute Gauld’s pass in the final third connected to Pedro Vite, who would extend his squad’s lead to 4-0.
The Blue & White would not be done orchestrating opportunities. Raposo’s hard work ended with a pass that found forward Brian White, as his low strike found the far corner of the net in the 77th minute making it 5-0.
The ‘Caps are back in MLS action this upcoming Saturday with a Western Conference clash against FC Dallas, celebrating Women & Girls in Sport. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. PT. Tickets remain available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
NOTES:
Mathías Laborda made his first appearance and start at BC Place.
Julian Gressel has recorded an assist in all three Whitecaps FC matches so far this season.
The five-goal margin of victory ties the ‘Caps largest in their MLS era alongside the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs win over San Jose Earthquakes.
Tristan Blackmon’s goal was his first at BC Place.
All four of Ryan Raposo’s goals for Whitecaps FC have come at BC Place.
Karifa Yao and J.C. Ngando made their Whitecaps FC debuts.
MATCH DETAILS
Attendance: 13,644
Referee: Fernando Hernández
Scoring Summary
21′ – VAN – Tristan Blackmon (Julian Gressel)
59′ – VAN – Ryan…
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