Vancouver Whitecaps 1, Cavalry 2 | 2019 Canadian Championship Match Recap

The first Canadian Premier League victory over an MLS team saw the Vancouver Whitecaps get bounced from the Canadian Championship on Wednesday evening, as Cavalry FC earned a 2-1 win at BC Place in the third round. 

Cavalry will now play the Montreal Impact in a semifinal on Aug. 7, with their two away goals requiring the Whitecaps to score three at home to advance. The offensive firepower never came, though, after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Desperation began in the 7th minute, as Vancouver’s backline failed to clear a Nikolas Ledgerwood long ball. Cavalry striker Jordan Brown latched on and smashed home past Maxime Crepeau for the 1-0 lead.

Dominating possession, Vancouver then found a lifeline in the 67th minute on a deflected goal from Inbeom Hwang. It was their second shot on target, bringing matters to 1-1.

Vancouver needed another strike on account of the away-goals rule, but Cavalry stunned the hosts in the 72nd minute when former Houston Dynamo winger Jose Escalante whipped in a corner kick. Dominick Zator rose highest, heading his side one step closer to raising the Voyageurs Cup. 

Vancouver brought on Joaquin Ardaiz at halftime, though quality moments in the attacking third proved lacking against the CPL spring season champions.

Goals

• 7' – CAV – Jordan Brown
• 67' – VAN – Inbeom Hwang
• 72' – CAV – Dominick Zator

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: A miserable stretch of form continues for Vancouver, who have now gone 0-6-4 in their last 10 matches across all competitions. They’re the only MLS team not to make the semifinal round of the Canadian Championship, with this their sixth straight loss to boot. But it’s pure elation for Cavalry, who entered on just three days of rest. They took the game to Vancouver and were deserving winners.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Nikolas Ledgerwood provided the assist on Cavalry’s opener, though his leadership and guile stood out the most. The 34-year-old Canadian national team veteran turned back time for an inspired performance in central midfield.

MAN OF THE MATCH: 
Just as Vancouver found a lifeline, Dominick Zator’s header practically signed Vancouver’s exit from the cup competition. It’s a moment that Cavalry fans will be watching for years to come.

Next Up

• VAN: Saturday, July 27 at Minnesota United (8 pm ET | TSN2, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US) | MLS 
• CAV: Saturday, July 27 vs. Valour FC (1 pm ET | onesoccer.ca in Canada) | Canadian Premier League