‘Caps Continue to Defy Expectations With Clutch Win in Panama

September 4, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release

PENONOMÉ, PANAMA – The young ‘Caps continue to defy expectations, and the experienced additions are coming up clutch.

On Wednesday, it was the second victory of the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup for the Whitecaps FC League1 BC women’s team, and the first in the group stage, with a 1-0 road win over Panamian side Santa Fé FC at Universidad Latina.

Tickets: October 1 vs. San Diego Wave and October 15 vs. Portland Thorns at BC Place

The result moved the ‘Caps into a tie for first place in Group B, prior to the match between Portland Thorns and Club América Femenil. They now turn their attention to two highly anticipated home matches at BC Place against National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams. First up, they will host San Diego Wave on Tuesday, October 1. Then, three-time NWSL champions Portland Thorns come to town on Tuesday, October 15.

Head coach Katie Collar made three changes to the lineup that started against Club América Femenil in Mexico on August 22. Mya Archibald, Jeneva Hernandez Gray, and Jamie Perrault, who came on as a subtitute in the previous match, all departed to represent Canada at the 2024 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. In stepped the experienced Brianne Reed to captain the side from the backline, Josie Longhurst in midfield, and Kaylee Hunter up top.

Watch: Entire match vs. Santa Fé FC

After a cagey first 30 minutes with both teams feeling the game out, the ‘Caps finally opened the scoring on 34 minutes. Kaylee Hunter played a beautiful throughball to Jourdan Ziff, who made no mistake with a perfect top corner strike to take a 1-0 lead.

In the 51st minute, goalkeeper Morgan McAslan came up with a huge one-handed diving save that had to be seen to be believed. It was yet another big moment in what has been a very strong series of performances for the Canadian shot-stopper.

Hunter came inches away from making it 2-0 in the 70th minute, as she broke in on a long run towards goal before firing a shot just wide of the far post.

The ‘Caps did find their insurance marker in the 78th, and it came from the captain. Substitute Zahra Brains hit a great corner into the box that was tapped home by Reed.

In the 83rd minute, it was Hunter again who came close to making it 3-0. A beautiful give-and-go between her and substitute Bianca Patik set up a chance at the top of the box, but again it just barely missed the net.

Santa Fé were given a lifeline with five minutes…