Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Minnesota United FC 3 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

Minnesota United FC played spoilers for Marc Dos Santos’ debut as head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, winning 3-2 on the road Saturday evening. 

A second-half flurry was enough for the Loons to see out the result, as Francisco Calvo headed home a lofted cross from Darwin Quintero in the 66th minute, putting the Loons ahead 2-1. 

Shortly after, Minnesota added another in the 70th minute when Romario Ibarra benefited from a deflection that left Maxime Crépeau flat-footed. Ibarra was slipped through by Quintero, who turned over Vancouver in midfield.

Vancouver made it nervy late, as a headed goal from center back Doneil Henry in the 81st minute sparked a comeback bid. However, the 3-2 scoreline stood.

It was Vancouver who began the scoring via Argentine center back Erik Godoy, who cushioned home an in-swinging free kick from Yordy Reyna in the 6th minute.

That was nullified in the 37th minute, as Calvo drew a penalty kick that Quintero slammed home to tie the game at 1-1. 

The result afforded Minnesota its first season-opening win since entering Major League Soccer as an expansion team in 2017. It also sets an optimistic tone while a five-game road swing settles in before opening Allianz Field on April 13 vs. New York City FC. 

The win was Minnesota's fifth on the road through 35 MLS games, following a season in which they went 1-14-2 away from the Twin Cities.

Goals

• 6' – VAN – Erik Godoy | WATCH
• 37' –  MIN – Darwin Quintero (PK) | WATCH
• 66' – MIN – Francisco Calvo | WATCH
• 70' – MIN – Romario Ibarra | WATCH
• 81' – VAN – Doneil Henry | WATCH

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: Talk about newcomers galore. Between Minnesota and Vancouver, the starting XIs featured a combined 12 players signed this past offseason. Add in substitutes, and that figure jumps up to 15.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: When Romario Ibarra found net in the 70th minute, he likely thought it was just providing a cushion. It ultimately served as the game-winner and his fourth goal in 10 MLS games.

• MAN OF THE MATCH: A center back for much of his time in Minnesota, Francisco Calvo made the most of playing at left back. The Costa Rican's goal was his fifth in MLS, plus he drew the penalty kick Quintero ultimately deposited. 

Next Up

• VAN: Saturday, March 9 at Real Salt Lake (6 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in USA; TSN1 in Canada)
• MIN: Saturday, March 9 at San Jose Earthquakes (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in USA; DAZN in Canada)