Wild.
That’s the word being used to describe Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s 2-2 draw with Montreal Impact on Wednesday in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship Final.
In Carl Robinson’s words, the first half was “like watching paint dry.”
Then, the two teams exploded for four goals in a frantic finish at Stade Saputo, which sets up an intriguing second leg on August 26 at BC Place.
Aside from that frantic finish, here are three things that stood out to me.
FROESE FINDS HIS GROOVE
Kianz Froese just keeps getting better and better.
The 19-year-old Canadian, who scored his first MLS goal on June 20 against New York, was arguably Vancouver’s best player on the pitch on Wednesday night.
On Vancouver’s first goal, he blew by his mark with a terrific run down the left before sending in a perfect cross to Darren Mattocks. Froese, who was voted as the man of the match by fans, also missed just four passes all night (see below - assist in blue).
Guess Robinson knew what he was doing last year when he called on a then 18-year-old Froese to make his MLS debut in front of over 50,000 fans in Seattle.
O CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!
Pedro Morales, take a bow.
The ‘Caps captain banged in a sublime free kick from a nearly impossible angle on Wednesday night – his second free kick goal of the month. If you count his disallowed goal on May 23 vs. Colorado, that’s actually three free kick tallies for the maestro this season.
This team has very quickly become a major threat off set pieces – and it’s quite fun to watch.
While Morales’ goal made the headlines, I was also quite impressed with the play he made in the build-up to Mattocks’ goal (see below).
Without Morales winning the ball there, we’re not talking about Froese’s fantastic run or Mattocks’ cool finish. It’s little things like this that make a big difference in a game.
THAT TACKLE THOUGH
Enough said.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
