Yotun, Reyna help Peru defeat New Zealand for final berth at 2018 World Cup

Yoshi Yotun - Peru - Close up

A pair of MLS players realized their World Cup dreams on Wednesday night, while four more saw theirs end.


Orlando City midfielder Yoshimar Yotun, Vancouver Whitecaps attacker Yordy Reyna and Peru clinched their first World Cup berth since 1982 on Wednesday in Lima, defeating New Zealand 2-0 the second leg of their World Cup qualification playoff to win the series by the same margin. Yotun came off the bench and played the final 24 minutes for Peru, while Reyna didn’t take the field.


While the night finished in glory for Yotun, Reyna and Peru, it ended the World Cup hopes of New Zealand and their MLS contingent. Vancouver goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic, Minnesota defender Michael Boxall and San Jose defender Kip Colvey went the full 90 for the Kiwis on Wednesday, while Portland midfielder Bill Tuiloma started and was subbed out at halftime.


Jefferson Farfan scored the opener in the 28th minute for Peru, while Christian Ramos sealed the match with a 66th minute strike.