Whitecaps Close In On Top Spot

If you never had a chance to take in the Whitecaps game against Sporting Kansas City either in person or catch the action on the tube you missed what might have been one of their best overall performances in the past while.

That’s not to take away from any previous performances but this match had everyone on the edge of their seats from the opening kick-off that saw 20,720 fans entertained.that keeps them close to first in the Western Conference.

The Caps got off to a quick jump showing tons of energy starting from Jayden Nelson who got involved early on with some dangerous runs and crosses.

If you ask how early it was in the seventh minute that saw J.C. Ngando came close to opening the scoring but only after Nelson see his shot go wide of the target.

Caps Brian White had a chance in the 16th minute only after Tristan Blackmon headed it back, having the volley narrowly missing the mark.

The following is the press release from the Whitecaps. 

Enjoy the read:

After poking and probing at SKC’s defence, the ‘Caps broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through Emmanuel Sabbi.

Ngando played it in behind Nelson, who cut it back with a great pass for Sabbi to slide and tap-in for the opener.

Shortly after, Nelson almost got a quick-fire second, running into the box and blasting a left-footed shot, but it just flew over the bar.

The ‘Caps did end up getting their second not long after, as Ngando picked up on a loose ball inside SKC’s box and placed his shot to double the lead.

Whitecaps FC almost began the second half with a bang, after Nelson’s curled effort was just tipped wide by SKC ‘keeper John Pulskamp.

White thought that he sealed the win for Whitecaps FC in the 68th minute, after Édier Ocampo squared it to him for a tap-in, but the goal was called back for offside.

Yohei Takaoka then came up massively minutes later, saving a point-blank shot from Logan Ndenbe, putting his body on the line to deny a great opportunity.

Nelson kept looking for his goal, and almost got it in the 85th minute after he latched onto a cut-back in the box, but his first time volley went just over the bar.

In the end, it was Mathías Laborda who got the killer third goal, off a corner.

A short corner from Berhalter saw Jeevan Badwal play a one-two with him before he crossed a terrific ball towards the back post where Laborda rose highest and angled his header down and into the back of the net.

Daniel Ríos nearly got a fourth after he was played into the box from the right by Nelson, but his shot was well-saved by Pulskamp.

In the end, the ‘Caps finished off a comfortable win as they stay within one point of first place in the conference after a massive result at home.

Whitecaps FC are back in action on Saturday, August 9 as they travel to California to face San Jose Earthquakes. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PT.

The ‘Caps then travel to Hamilton, Ontario to face Forge FC in the semifinals of the TELUS Canadian Championship on Wednesday, August 13. Kickoff for that one is at 4 p.m. PT.

Finally, Whitecaps FC come back home to BC Place to host Houston Dynamo FC on Sunday, August 17 at 6 p.m. PT. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.