Whitecaps FC Down Club Tijuana, 3-1

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

VANCOUVER, BC – It was another joyous night at BC Place after Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated Mexican side Club Tijuana 3-1 on Saturday, thanks to a second half blitz from the ‘Caps.

The ‘Caps will now host Liga MX giants Pumas UNAM this coming week at BC Place. Stay tuned to whitecapsfc.com and Whitecaps FC social media channels for details and ticket information.

Saturday’s match began with both sides gunning from the start. Whitecaps FC had early momentum but it was Club Tijuana that struck first in the eighth minute. Daniel Barbosa found Kevin Castañeda inside the ‘Caps’ box and fired home a volley for the opener. Takaoka was called into action shortly after, denying Tijuana a quick-fire second.

Brian White nearly levelled the match for Whitecaps FC just past the 10-minute mark, climbing high to get on the end of a Sebastian Berhalter cross from a corner, but it was kept out by a stunning Antonio Rodríguez save. Berhalter tried to replicate his goal from earlier this week against LAFC after 20 minutes, but his vicious strike took a deflection and sailed over the crossbar.

Whitecaps FC and Tijuana would go back and forth for the last 10 minutes of the first half, but the Mexican side held on to the lead as the referee whistled for the break.

The ‘Caps began the second half in hot fashion, as Picault crafted a glorious chance inside the first minute of the half. After sneaking his way into the Xolos box on the left side, he poked a ball into the six-yard box but it bounced into empty space before being cleared away. Moments later, White had a shot blocked after being found in behind the Tijuana backline.

The Blue and White then made good on their hot start to the half by equalizing through a wonderful team goal. Takaoka began the attack from his own box, pinging a pass to White straight down the middle. White the flicked it off for Levonte Johnson, who turned around and put Picault in behind for the Haitian to slot it past Rodríguez to level the affair.

Johnson nearly made it two quick goals seconds after the equalizer, being found inside the box after a deflected pass, but he fired his shot straight at Rodríguez from close range, hitting him in the face. Play was stopped as Rodríguez was carted off the field, but gave a thumbs up to the crowd on his exit.

Pedro Vite tested his luck with less than 20 minutes to go, popping a shot from just outside the box but placing it right…