Young ‘Caps put in resilient display despite defeat against San Diego Wave FC

October 2, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release

VANCOUVER, BC – It was a historic night at BC Place, as Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s League1 BC women’s team hosted their first ever Concacaf W Champions Cup match, dropping a 2-0 to NWSL side San Diego Wave FC on Tuesday night.

San Diego Wave FC’s Makenzy Doniak had the first big chance of the game as she forced a diving save from ‘Caps goalkeeper Morgan McAslan from a free kick inside five minutes. Melanie Barcenas then hit the post from a long shot moments later.

Elyse Bennett then had a great opportunity halfway through the half to make it 1-0 for the Wave after getting on the end of a Hanna Lundkvist cross, but her header went wide right in front of the net.

Jaedyn Shaw had San Diego’s next big chance in the 35th minute, hitting the post from just outside the six-yard box.

McAslan made another massive save minutes later, tipping over a shot from Lundkvist at full stretch.

Whitecaps FC kept fighting hard against the Wave for the rest of the half, deservedly going into the break on level terms.

The second half began with Whitecaps continuing to be resolute in the back.

Jaime Perrault came close to getting the first shot on target for the ‘Caps after some great play between Kaylee Hunter and Josie Longhurst. Hunter was able to slip Perrault behind the Wave defence. The young Canadian then tried to squeeze a shot off but the ball got scooped up by Hillary Beall before Perrault could fire it off.

San Diego ultimately opened the scoreline in the 59th minute, courtesy of Kaitlin Torpey. Kimmi Ascanio slipped in Torpey who managed to fire a shot past both McAslan and a sliding Brianne Reed, but a deflection could only loop the ball into the back of the net.

Perrault almost got Whitecaps FC back on level terms after closing down Beall on a back pass. Beall had to slide and clear the ball out for a corner before Perrault could dispossess her. Josie Longhurst then tried to execute a half-volley inside the box after the resulting corner, but her shot sailed over the crossbar.

The Wave doubled their lead in the 66th minute, after Lundkvist cut a cross back for substitute Amirah Ali inside the box. Ali bided her time before sweeping home a second for her side.

Perrault was then back at the heart of another Whitecaps FC counter-attack, bursting down the right side and putting a dangerous cross into the box. Hunter then tried to latch onto it but was just a step behind as it rolled across the box to…