Vancouver Whitecaps 0, Philadelphia Union 1 | MLS Match Recap

VANCOUVER, B.C. – A late goal by Antoine Hoppenot gave the Philadelphia Union a 1-0 win over a 10-man Vancouver Whitecaps team at BC Place on Saturday.

The substitute was the beneficiary of a nice backheel pass from fellow substitute Aaron Wheeler, before bursting into the box and firing past goalkeeper Brad Knighton with five minutes to spare.

It was midfielder Jun Marques Davidson who put the Whitecaps under major pressure just eight minutes in, by headbutting Keon Daniel in the back, moments after the Union midfielder recklessly swung his foot at Davidson while he was hunched over the ball. Davidson’s blatant reaction prompted referee Baldomero Toledo to reach for his red card and dismiss Vancouver’s defensive midfielder with little hesitation.

COMPLETE BOX SCORE AND MATCH STATISTICS

Despite the red card, the Whitecaps were the more dangerous team in attack for the rest of the first half. Russell Teibert had a good opportunity to opening the scoring on 14 minutes, lobbing a ball over Philly goalkeeper Zac MacMath and over the bar. The Canadian winger received a ball over the top from forward Kenny Miller before hitting his shot onto the top of the Union goal.

On 40 minutes, Camilo sent Miller through one-on-one with Jeff Parke. The Scottish Designated Player, who signed an extension to stay at the club through next summer, beat his marker with ease before firing just wide of target.

But Miller was forced off with an apparent injury to start the second half and his substitute, Kekuta Manneh, nearly picked the corner in the 50th minute after breaking through alone from an acute angle. The Gambian rookie got into position by playing a one-two with Camilo, but his right-footed effort rebounded off the post and back into MacMath’s hands.

OPTA CHALKBOARD: Whitecaps misfire for most of night vs. Union

Camilo, who was in passing mode during most of the match, found himself through on goal in the 84th minute, but fired directly at MacMath, who knocked the ball down before gathering at the second attempt.

Moments later Hoppenot punished the Whitecaps for their lack of finishing with a well-taken goal in the 85th minute that gave the Union their fourth road win of the season.

The Union, now 9-6-7, prepare for a friendly against Stoke City at PPL Park on Tuesday. The Whitecaps, falling to 9-7-5, are back in action next weekend on the road to the Portland Timbers at JELD-WEN Field.

MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match