September 26, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
VANCOUVER, BC – Three-peat!
It wasn’t easy, but led by a heroic performance by British Columbia’s own Isaac Boehmer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated Toronto FC to secure their third straight TELUS Canadian Championship title.
With the victory, Whitecaps FC have qualified for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup set to begin early in the new year.
The match began with some high-octane football to fit the occasion.
With smoke still clearing from the opening procession, Federico Bernardeschi unleashed a wicked shot towards goal, but Boehmer was there to make the diving stop to keep it out.
Toronto FC again came close to opening the scoring early on, with Jonathan Osorio flicking a header to the back post off a corner but Lorenzo Insigne just missed the opportunity to tap it in.
The ‘Caps fired back with a chance of their own in the 10th minute, after a slick passing play saw Sam Adekugbe latch onto a through ball into the box and lift a cross for Fafa Picault to try to head in, but the ball was smothered by Sean Johnson.
Picault had a brilliant chance to score just past the half-hour mark, after being sent through in behind on the right. Picault drove towards goal and layed the pass off to White in the middle, but White was closed down at the crucial time before he could score.
The biggest moment of the first half came on 37 minutes, when former ‘Caps wingback Richie Laryea went down in the box to receive a penalty kick call for TFC. But there was Boehmer, making saving a crucial penalty on former Italian international Bernardeschi to keep the scores level.
Both sides would continue to fight for dominance in the rest of the half, but would have to settle for the stalemate at the break.
The second half picked up right where the first half ended off, with both teams gunning for the opening goal. Laryea cut inside and fired a shot wide shortly after the start of the half, while Insigne curled an effort from the right just wide moments later.
Boehmer was brilliant again when he came out to claim the ball after a dangerous chance found Bernardeschi in the box. The Canadian ‘keeper was at it again in the 52nd minute, denying Laryea on a one-on-one opportunity to keep the ‘Caps in it.
After a period of relative calm, Gauld nearly teed up White to put the ‘Caps ahead in the 74th minute. A quick throw-in saw Gauld race into the box, as the Scot tried to loft a ball for White to smash home but it…
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