Becher Goal Sees ‘caps Claim Road Point In Dramatic Finish

March 25, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release

SAINT PAUL, MN – Vancouver Whitecaps FC recorded a dramatic 1-1 draw against Western Conference side Minnesota United FC this Saturday evening at Allianz Field.

The first half began quickly with pressure in the final third from the ‘Caps, leading to Brian White’s chest control and subsequent volley striking the crossbar inside the first minute of the match. The ‘Caps continued to be on the front foot, with Julian Gressel hitting a volley of his own on target in the sixth minute, which was saved by goalkeeper Clint Irwin.

Despite a relatively dominant first half from the ‘Caps, it was the home side who would open the scoring. Late in the half, Ménder García’s header found the back of the net in the 40th minute of the match.

The second half saw the Blue & White start with another big chance, with Gressel sending in a ball to Ryan Gauld, who’s header was saved in the 46th minute.

As the match progressed, a one touch build-up play was created by Simon Becher and White. In the end, White’s effort would roll just outside of the far post in the 75th minute.

But the ‘Caps would not be undone and would continue pushing until the final whistle. The Blue & White finally found the equalizer in added time. Following a cross from Pedro Vite, Simon Becher’s shot would sneak into the net right before the final whistle blew at Allianz Field.

The ‘Caps now tilt their heads towards a three-match homestand at BC Place starting next weekend. First up is an all-Canadian clash against CF Montréal on April 1, followed by Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal action against LAFC on April 5.

The stretch concludes with a Cascadia matchup versus Portland Timbers on April 8 in the club’s annual Vaisakhi Night. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

MATCH DETAILS

VWFC GE Appliances Player of Quality: Simon Becher

Attendance: 19,609

Referee: Rosendo Mendoza

Scoring Summary

40′ – MIN – Ménder García (Zarek Valentin, Wil Trapp)

90’+8′ – VAN – Simon Becher

Statistics

Possession: MIN 37.1% – VAN 62.9%

Shots: MIN 8 – VAN 23

Shots on Goal: MIN 2 – VAN 5

Saves: MIN 4 – VAN 2

Fouls: MIN 8 – VAN 10

Offsides: MIN 0 – VAN 3

Corners: MIN 2 – VAN 10

Cautions

54′ – VAN – Tristan Blackmon

58′ – MIN – Wil Trapp

64′ – MIN – Adrian Heath

73′ – VAN – Ali Ahmed

76′ – MIN – Miguel Tapias

89′ – VAN – Brian White

90’+2′ – MIN – Zaydan Bello

90’+2′ – MIN – Luis Amarilla

Minnesota United FC

1.Clint Irwin; 3.Zarek Valentin, 4.Miguel Tapias,…