MONTREAL, QC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC bowed out of the TELUS Canadian Championship in a 2-1 second leg defeat against CF Montréal at Stade Saputo on Wednesday.
Two controversial penalty kick decisions set the tone in the first half as the 'Caps went down 2-0 at halftime. A late second half goal from Emmanuel Sabbi pulled Whitecaps FC back within a goal, but time ran out on the quest for a fifth straight Voyageurs Cup.
A cagey start to the match eventually saw the 'Caps on the front foot. Ryan Gauld had the first good look from the top of the box, as the Scot clipped his attempt wide of ’keeper Sébastian Breza’s far post.
Later, Whitecaps FC centre back Tristan Blackmon appeared to be tripped up in the penalty area by CF Montréal right back Brayan Ceballos. Referee Filip Dujic determined no penalty after Blue and White manager Jesper Sørensen requested a video review.
Near the half-hour, Blue and White left back Sam Adekugbe went skyward to head away a diagonal cross against CF Montréal forward – and former Whitecaps FC player – Daniel RÃos.
Another challenge and video review - this time from Montreal - led to a surprising penalty awarded. Striker Prince Owusu put the ensuing spot kick in for 1-0 in the 30th minute.
Gauld continued to be active. An expert Müller flick-on sent the captain onwards deep in the danger area – his crack was deflected wide by the outstretched boots of backtracking defender Jalen Neal.
Whitecaps FC piled on more pressure. Off an incredible Blackmon 50-yard through ball to the tip of the box, but Édier Ocampo was barely denied by a desperate Breza challenge.
Following a rough challenge from Owusu that hobbled Blackmon, CF Montréal took advantage. Owusu was sent in on a breakaway and finished for a 2-0 lead.
In the second half, the Blue and White pressed with numerous chances.
A slick trio of passes finally put Whitecaps FC on the board late. Substitute Bruno Caicedo spotted hard-charging Jeevan Badwal down the right wing. A moment later, Badwal slid to flash the ball across for Sabbi – his 15-yard strike gave the defending champs a glimmer of hope in the 91st minute.
The 'Caps would push in the final minutes, but another goal was not to be.
Next up, Whitecaps FC return to the MLS regular season at Real Salt Lake this coming Saturday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. PT. Fans can watch this match on Apple TV or TSN, or listen on 730 CKNW. Check out the ’Caps & Taps list to find the nearest bar showing the match.
The ’Caps then come home to host D.C. United on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. PT. To secure your seats, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Filip Dujic
Attendance: 10,333
Scoring Summary
30’ – MTL – Prince Owusu (penalty kick)
45’ – MTL – Prince Owusu
90+1’ – VAN – Emmanuel Sabbi (Jeevan Badwal)
Statistics
Possession: MTL 37% – VAN 63%
Shots: MTL 5 – VAN 17
Shots on Goal: MTL 3 – VAN 5
Saves: MTL 4 – VAN 1
Fouls: MTL 20 – VAN 15
Offsides: MTL 1 – VAN 1
Corners: MTL 1 – VAN 5
Cautions
10’ – VAN – Jeevan Badwal
21’ – VAN – Tristan Blackmon
21’ – MTL – Brayan Ceballos
30’ – VAN – Sam Adekugbe
41’ – MTL – Prince Owusu
87’ – MTL – Jalen Neal
CF Montréal
1.Sébastian Breza; 3.Brayan Ceballos, 2.Jalen Neal, 5.Brandan Craig, 13.Luca Petrasso; 8.Matty Longstaff (6.Samuel Piette 86’), 22.Victor Loturi; 17.Dante Sealy (23.Noah Streit 71’), 16.Wikelman Carmona (21.Fabian Herbers 86’), 14.Daniel RÃos (10.Alexis Sánchez 71’); 9.Prince Owusu (27.Dawid Bugaj 90+3’)
Substitutes not used
33.Emil Gazdoz, 41.Samsy Keita, 24.EfraÃn Morales, 35.Owen Graham-Roache
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
32.Isaac Boehmer, 18.Édier Ocampo, 2.MathÃas Laborda (6.Ralph Priso 77’), 33.Tristan Blackmon, 3.Sam Adekugbe (28.Tate Johnson HT); 59.Jeevan Badwal, 20.Andrés Cubas (24.Brian White HT); 25.Ryan Gauld ©, 13.Thomas Müller, 77.Yadaly Diaby (14.Bruno Caicedo 58’); 19.Rayan Elloumi (11.Emmanuel Sabbi 58’)
Substitutes not used
1.Yohei Takaoka, 8.Oliver Larraz, 29.Mihail Gherasimencov, 70.Rui Modesto