BLAINE, MN – Whitecaps FC 2 striker Nelson Pierre became the first player in MLS NEXT Pro to score 10 goals in 2025, as his brace and a Daniel Russo strike in the 89th minute led to a thrilling 3-2 road victory over Minnesota United FC 2 on Wednesday.
The young ’Caps were rewarded with their first golden opportunity early on, when Johnny Selemani sprinted into the danger area. Before he was met by a defender, Selemani gave a small stutter-step to blast a laser on target that forced MNUFC2 goalkeeper Kai Zeruhn skyward to punch the ball out of play.
WFC2 followed up their bright start with a goal in the 18th minute. Elloumi corralled a long ball and expertly drew Minnesota defender Britton Fischer away from the centre of the box. While on the ball, Elloumi showed maturity far beyond his years. The 17-year-old Canadian pulled off an impressive spin and laid off the ball for an onrushing Nelson Pierre, who cooly slotted home his ninth strike of the season.
Near the quarter-hour, MNUFC2 came close. Defender Kieran Chandler put a looping cross for a Luke Hille header that ’Caps goalkeeper Alexander Milošević crouched to deny from the goal line.
Again, Milošević came to the rescue before the half, as he denied another Chander attempt, this time a long-range cracker from outside the box.
After play resumed, Milošević thanked his woodwork after Minnesota United FC 2 midfielder Curt Calov juked to make space, with his curler glancing off the far post.
Elloumi continued to show confidence on the ball. He sprinted down the right wing, flexed his muscles, and smashed his own attempt past Zeruhn, but unfortunately off the near post and out of danger.
On the next rush, WFC2 showed composure at the highest level. A Milošević boot up the field and a flick-on led to a 2-on-1 for Pierre and Elloumi. Pierre tried to set Elloumi up, but Zeruhn came way off his line to deflect the chance. Deep in the box, Elloumi beat a pair of Minnesota defenders to the loose ball and returned the favour to Pierre for the brace and the 2-0 lead.
However, the home side scored two quick goals to even the match at two.
WFC2 put their heads down and got back to work. Jackson Castro stood over a corner kick for the young 'Caps in the dying moments, and proceed to whip a ball into Pierre. While Pierre saw his header from close range saved by Zeruhn, Daniel Russo fought for positioning and was able to push the ball over the line to give the 'Caps the 3-2 lead and the three points on the night.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Ryan Farrell
Scoring Summary
17’ – VAN – Nelson Pierre (Rayan Elloumi, Deylen Vellios)
62’ – VAN – Nelson Pierre (Rayan Elloumi)
72’ – MIN – Luke Hille (penalty kick)
78’ – MIN – Aidan Martinez (Curt Calov)
89’ – VAN – Daniel Russo
Cautions
26’ – VAN – Jackson Castro
33’ – MIN – Issa Saidi
42’ – MIN – Mubashir Nour
68’ – MIN – Kieran Chandler
71’ – VAN – Antoine Coupland
84’ – MIN – Alpha Kabia
Statistics
Possession: VAN 42% – MIN 58%
Shots: VAN 10 – MIN 22
Shots on Goal: VAN 6 – MIN 7
Saves: VAN 5 – MIN 3
Fouls: VAN 11 – MIN 20
Offsides: VAN 4 – MIN 1
Corners: VAN 2 – MIN 8
Minnesota United FC 2
60.Kai Zeruhn; 33.Kieran Chandler, 59.John Farris, 35.Britton Fischer, 95. Mubashir Nour (36.Mukisa Klingi 45’); 34.Curt Calov (43.William Schmidt 90’), 92.Alpha Kabia, 53.Carlos Casillas-Lopez (37.Babacar Niang 59’); 50.Aidan Martinez, 39.Luke Hille, 64.Issa Saidi (42.Braden Schumacher 59’)
Substitutes not used
83.Keane Perkins, 41.Dominic Mawing, 44.Arien Vanmol
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
60.Alexander Milošević; 41.Nikola Djordjevic, 46.Deylen Vellios, 53.Mark O’Neill ©, 54.Daniel Russo; 44.Jackson Castro, 71.Carson Rassak; 43.Antoine Coupland (65.Francesco Troisi 83’), 63.Johnny Selemani (72.Ben Nash 73’); 42.Nelson Pierre, 75.Rayan Elloumi (61.Kyler Vojvodic 90+2')
Substitutes not used
80.Isaac Francoeur, 56.Maksim Kalina
