It was a match to remember for Kendall Waston.
The towering defender put together his first multigoal match of his MLS career in a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United FC on Saturday at BC Place.
After an early goal by the road side, Waston found himself in an offensive position following a ‘Caps corner. The Costa Rican international looked like a seasoned striker taking an Andrew Jacobson cross off his chest before settling the ball and finishing in the bottom corner.
Rare Sighting: @kwaston88 scoring with his feet. #slowmo#vwfc
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) June 4, 2017
Next Match June 17 vs. FC Dallas: https://t.co/9PzvwB8f8Mpic.twitter.com/R9MHakXxaU
Then just before the half, the big man, using his size to his advantage, headed a Cristian Techera corner into the back of the net to give the 'Caps a 2-1 halftime lead. The goal would eventually stand as the game-winner.
.@kwaston88 back to what he knows best - scoring with his head! Brace for the big man. https://t.co/BfKfrJKuGr
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) June 3, 2017
Late in the match, with Atlanta pressing down two goals, Waston used his head again, this time on the defensive side of the ball, saving a shot off the goal line. After some frantic play in the box, the ball came to Leandro González Pirez, who thought he’d cut the lead to one but the 6-foot-5 Waston was there to shut to the door.
Putting your body on the line. #VANvATLpic.twitter.com/FLrVH27gjz
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 3, 2017
Waston's heroics give Whitecaps FC a 2W-1L-0D record on their current four-game home stand. The 'Caps finish the month-long stay with a tilt against FC Dallas, who are coming off a six-goal performance on the weekend. The match on Saturday, June 17 kicks off at 7 p.m. at BC Place. Visit whitecapsfc.com for tickets.
The MLS Team of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.
