Vancouver Whitecaps 0, Toronto FC 2 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

Franco Panizo

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC seemed destined to end their Saturday affair in a scoreless draw.

Then, Brek Shea was sent off and everything changed.

Two yellow cards in quick succession for Shea paved the way for Toronto FC to grab a pair of late goals in a 2-0 road victory over the Whitecaps at BC Place. Shea was ejected by referee Ismail Elfath in the 70th minute of the scrappy affair, first earning a caution for a foul and then immediately getting booked again for dissent.

Toronto FC capitalized on the man advantage, as substitute Victor Vazquez scored the winner in the 76th minute before Jozy Altidore doubled the lead four minutes later with a nice turn and finish.

Three Things

TURNING POINT: Let's be clear: This was a drab affair for the first 70 minutes. Neither team was able to generate much quality in the final third and chances were few and far between. Shea's quick ejection allowed Toronto FC to capitalize on the extra space provided. It took the visitors only six minutes after Shea was dismissed to bag the winner, and then came an insurance goal that put the match on ice.
SUPER SUB: With Sebastian Giovinco out injured, Toronto needed a player to step up and deliver some magic. No one was able to until Vazquez made a great run into space and nodded home the winner. The Spanish midfielder was not finished, though: He delivered an 80th-minute pass with zip to Jonathan Osorio that was then played Altidore for the smooth turn-and-finish that assured Toronto FC of the three points.
NOT CLICKING: Whether it was fatigue from Tuesday's CONCACAF Champions League bout in Mexico or a lack of chemistry or something else, the Whitecaps' attack just did not look the part on Saturday afternoon. From Fredy Montero to Nicolas Mezquida to Alphonso Davies, no one was particularly sharp when it came to producing chances. As a result, Vancouver finished with just one shot on target and a frustrating defeat.