UnderDog Productions, Vancouver, BC (2024)

08/08/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Pumas UNAM

The Leagues Cup continues with a home game against Pumas UNAM in the round of 32. The Caps will be looking to move on and play either Seattle Sounders or LA Galaxy in the round of 16. Pumas come into this game having won 3 games in their domestic league and currently sitting in first place in Liga MX. This will be a good test for the Whitecaps, who have shown a new life over the last ten games with a record of 6 wins, two draws and two losses. Coach Dani Sartini will be making his return to the bench after his one game suspension.
The Whitecaps lined up in a 3-4-3 formation that shows on paper a more offensive minded lineup. A smaller crowd is trying to give the Caps a lift as their chants carries throughout the stadium. The Pumas fans are also making their presence felt with their own chorus in one corner of the stands. The game had a slow start with little to no chances on either goal. Some continuous pressure by the Caps gave them their first corner kick at the 12th minute mark. The Caps best chance came on a great cross from Picault that Johnson was able to connect from in-close but the Pumas netminder was able to save and gave up a corner in the 23rd minute of play. Levant Johnson was sent running on a semi breakaway, but the goalie was able to come up big again and stop the shot to send it out for yet another corner.
After 32 minutes of play the temperature of the game is heating up and possession is even. The referee is letting the play go on and not calling some of the 50/50 challenges. Caps Takaoka made two formidable saves to keep the score tied at 0.
From a steal in the 37th minute, Piero Quispe dribbled through and gave a pass to Cesar Huerta that sent a shot past the outstretched Takaoka and gave the Pumas the lead. One minute of added time was given but score at halftime remained Pumas 1 - Vancouver Whitecaps 0
The second half began with only one substitution by Pumas, in goes Noises Rivas for Angel Rico. Caps Bryan White had a great chance in close but was unable to get a hard shot past the Pumas keeper. After a quick counter by Pumas in the 56th minute, Cesar Huerta ventured onto the penalty area and sent a low cross that was beautifully redirected by Jorge Ruvalcaba to give the Pumas a 2-0 lead.
Changes for the Whitecaps, Raposo and Adekugbe will come in for Johnson and Berhalter at the 62nd minute. Fafa Picault received a yellow card for a strong foul. Another change comes for the Caps, in goes Schopf for Veselinovic. The Whitecaps are on the attack but Raposo, with a hard shot from in-close, was again unable to beat the Pumas keeper Gonzalez. Utvik and Picault have been replaced by Bovalina and Kreilach. An all-out attack is coming, but with 10 minutes left in the game, it looks very difficult for the Caps to make a game of it. Gonzalez made yet another save to maintain a clean sheet. A lack of finish has cost the Whitecaps, along with the chance to move forward in this Cup.
After an extra 4 minutes of play, the score remained, Pumas 2 – Whitecaps 0
It was a disappointing end to this campaign but now they can concentrate on the task at hand, by securing a spot in the MLS Playoffs. The small crowd of 9,691 spectators are leaving with a bad taste in their mouths and will look for redemption when the Caps are back on the field at BC Place on Saturday August 24 against LAFC, a 4:30pm start.

Carlos Parra✍️ for UnderDog Productions
Photo📸Credit Vancouver Whitecaps FC

07/21/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Houston Dynamo FC
The Caps are coming off a very successful run, which has left them unbeaten in their last 6 games across all competitions with 5 wins and a draw. Vancouver is currently sitting in 5th place in the Western Conference standings with 38 points, while Houston is in 8th place with 34 points. It should be an intense match with a lot riding on the line. Another win will see the Whitecaps only 5 points away from the LA Galaxy with two games in hand. With 11 regular season games left, the Caps must continue to build on their current success to solidify their place in the playoffs.
The game started with the Whitecaps taking control of the ball and creating a couple of close chances on goal. Houston is also showing signs that they are here to make life difficult for the Caps with a willingness to go on the offence whenever they get possession of the ball. These teams met twice last season with a combined 14 goals and a win each.
There was an early yellow card shown to Houston’s #6 Artur in the 20th minute for a clumsy tackle over Ali Ahmed. Houston scored first in the 29th minute from a flurry of passes inside the Whitecaps penalty area. At the same time Ryan Gauld had to be substituted by Ryan Raposo after he seemed to jam his foot on the turf. It is a big blow for the Caps to lose their captain and heart of the Vancouver midfield.
Dorsey extended the Houston lead with a well-placed shot from just outside the box in the 36th minute. The Whitecaps seem a little out of sync with only a few chances on the Houston goal. Four minutes have been added to the first half, but the Caps are unable to sustain any pressure on the Houston end. It was a slow half for the Whitecaps with a lack of intensity or real opportunities in front of the Houston goal. The first half ended with Houston in the lead 2-0. Surely Caps coach Vanni Sartini will have lots to say to the team to bring them back into the game and to match the level of play they have shown over the last few weeks.
The second half began with a substitution by both teams. For the Caps in goes Alessandro Schopf for Luis Martin’s and Houston countered with Sebastian Ferreira in for Ponds. The Caps scored quickly on a perfect header from Fafa Picault in the 48th minute from a cross by Ryan Raposo. It was his third straight goal in the last three games and 7th of the season. The Caps continued the pressure and Fafa sent a beautiful soft cross from the right side that found the head of an outstretched Ranko Veselinovic for his second goal of the season. The score is now 2-2 and probably more goals to come.
Another change for The Caps, in goes Sam Adekugbe for Andrès Cubas in the 60th minute. The Caps are making the back line of Houston look ordinary as Adekugbe ran free on the left side and placed a low cross into the box that Fafa was able to slide past his defender and send the ball into the back of the net. Vancouver now leads 3-2. Houston made two more quick substitutions to create more offense and try to even the score.
A possible penalty was not given in favor of the Caps as the referee did not feel a foul inside the penalty box was committed. Shortly after that in the 78th minute, Houston’s Smith scored with a blistering shot past Takaoka to even up the score at 3-3.
Houston surprised the Caps with a flurry of shots inside the Caps box and finally a blast from Dorsey with his second goal of the game, putting Houston back in the lead 4-3. Vanni Sartini gambles and does two more substitutions bringing in two forwards, Kreilach and Johnson for midfielders Vite and Berhalter. An additional 8 minutes have been added. The caps are pushing hard but Houston will make sure to waste as much time as possible.
Unfortunately for the 24,114 fans the game ended in a loss which ends the Whitecaps unbeaten streak at 6 games. It is a costly loss in the standings and the Caps will have to regroup and find their form once again.
Next for the Caps is an exhibition game against Wrexham on Friday July 26 at BC Place Stadium followed by an away game against LA FC and at home on August 3 against Tijuana, both for the Leagues Cup.
The next home MLS play is a game against LA FC on Saturday August 24 at 4:30 pm.

Carlos Parra ✍️ UnderDog Productions
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 📸

05/27/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Inter Miami CF
The much-anticipated game of the year is finally here. Unfortunately, the sellout crowd will not be able to enjoy watching three of the Miami stars that were left off the roster for this match. Many fans voiced their displeasure online about not been able to see their idols, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. Many also blame the MLS for scheduling another mid-week game back in Miami after being on the road in Vancouver. The best way for the Whitecaps to appease the fans is to put on a great effort and get back into their winning ways.
The game began with the Whitecaps on the attack and fans voicing their displeasure with boos and the chants of “where is Messi" resonating throughout the stadium. Jordi Alba received a yellow card in the 20th minute for a clumsy foul on Ahmed. Ball possession has been even so far, and Miami is ahead with shots on goal at 4 and Caps with 2. After 30 minutes, both teams had good chances to score but failed to convert with the final touch. Ali Ahmed received a yellow card for complaining to the referee. In the 36th minute, after a quick counter, Jordi Alba placed a beautiful through ball to a sprinting Robert Taylor who was able to get past his defender and with a clever right foot shot, curved the ball past the outstretched Takaoka to open the score. The Caps continued to push forward and were looking for the equalizer. Only 1 minute of extra time was added but nothing was accomplished. The score at half remains Miami 1 Caps 0.
The second half begins without any changes to either side. A great header by Fafa went wide and serves as a warning to Miami that the Whitecaps will be going all out to even up the score. Miami received a couple of yellow cards to Bright and Miami coach Tata Martino.
In the 54th minute, Leonardo Campana scored with a kick inside the box from a quick counterattack that he started at midfield. Brian White had a great chance shortly after the goal, but narrowly missed. The Whitecaps make two substitutions at the 54th minute, in goes Martins for Laborda and Bovalina for Vite. Miami’s midfielder, Weigandt, was given a yellow card after a hard tackle on Fafa. It was the 4th yellow of the game for Miami. Again, Miami continues to go in with hard tackles and this time Aviles is yellow carded for a hard foul on Ryan Gauld. It will be a tough uphill battle for the Caps to get back into the game. A controversial call via VAR gave the Whitecaps a penalty shot. Ryan Gauld scored, and they brought two more subs. In came Raposo for Schopf and Berhalter for Veselinovic. It will make for an interesting last 15 minutes of play. The Whitecaps are pushing forward and are forcing Miami to defend.
Late subs for Miami and the Caps. In goes Johnson for Cubas. Miami will try to kill the last couple of minutes to preserve the lead. The Caps left it too late in the game to get on the attack. The referee has given 8 minutes of extra time. Lots of pressure on the Miami end but no reward. Going into the last minute of play and it looks like Miami will be able to withstand the pressure. Final whistle blows and the score remains, Miami CF 2 Whitecaps FC 1. It was a disappointing ending to what should have been an eventful evening for the 51,035 Whitecaps supporters that filled the stadium. The lack of a supporting cast that can elevate the game when things are not going well is showing up more and more with every passing game. The opponent, even with a secondary lineup, was still able to control the game and well deserved of the three points. It has now been 6 games since the Caps tasted victory and with the lack of scoring has changed the optimism from the great start of the season to a sense of desperation as the team starts to see themselves decline in the Western Conference standings. Maybe the rumblings of bringing in a true star to the current lineup will start once again and the need to inject new blood will create a bit of a buzz for the faithful supporters. Time will tell but changes need to happen, or the same story will sadly repeat itself.
Next up for the Whitecaps is an away mid-week game on Wednesday May 29 against Sporting KC who is currently struggling themselves in last place in the Western Conference standings with 11 points. The Caps on the other hand are currently in 7th place with 19 points. It is a must game at this point as we look ahead to their next home game at BC Place on Saturday June 1st against a Colorado team that sits ahead of the Caps in the standings. Let’s hope for good things to happen over the next two games and bring back a more positive outlook to the team and fans alike.
Carlos Parra✍️
Jorge Parra 📸
UnderDog Productions

05/25/2024

2024 Canadian Championship
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Calvary FC
The Caps are ready to move on to the next round following their first leg win (2–1) in Calgary. The task at hand is simple, a win or a draw and they are on to the next round and continue the quest for their second straight Canadian Championship.
The game started and both teams are showing signs of a full out attack. After 6 minutes of play, the Caps are holding a slight edge in ball possession. The Calvary midfielder, Jesse Dailey was given a yellow card in the 8th minute of play for a dangerous tackle on Luis Martins. A very close chance off the foot of Caps #55 Kachwele, went wide. A second near call by Kachwele was intercepted by the Calvary goalie and former Whitecaps player, Marco Carducci. Pedro Vite was shown a yellow card for a rather clumsy tackle at midfield. In the 29th minute, Caps keeper, Boehner had to come up big to save a well struck shot from inside the penalty area. It was Calgary's second shot on goal but their best chance to score. While the Whitecaps were giving up possession, a big mistake in the 33rd minute gave the visitors the early lead with a low cross in the area that went off the Captain, Ranko Veselinovic. The home team will need to come out of their shell and take the game to Calgary and force them in their own zone.
Calgary looked very dangerous on their counterattack and the Whitecaps have begun to show a little more intensity when going forward. In the 44th minute, Lleyton Brooks was shown a yellow card as well as Ahman, for unsportsmanlike play. An additional 4 minutes have been added to the first half. A tough first half for Vancouver but a better flurry towards the end may help if they decide to continue in the second half.
The second half began with two substitutions for the Whitecaps. Gault in for Laborda and White for Kachwele. This should give the team more offense and chance for a goal. Calgary continues to be a hard team to break and no spaces are left open for the Caps. Pedro Vite has looked very alive and involved in almost every play in the center of the field. His connection with Ryan Gault will be a key element as they push forward. After 10 minutes of play, the Caps looked very strong and eager to get that elusive tying goal. After a hard tackle by Klomp on Gauld, he was given a yellow card along with Sergio Camargo. Two more changes for the Caps, in goes Raposo and Schopf for Berhalter and Johnson respectively.
A great chance by the Vancouver striker, Bovalina, went wide after constant pressure from the Caps players. Two subs came in from Cavalry. With 20 minutes left, the Whitecaps are still trying to break the solid Cavalry defensive wall. With 14 minutes to play, Ralph Priso makes his debut for Bovalina. A close chance by Calgary was promptly saved by the Caps goalie Boehmer to keep the score 1-0. Calgary is willing to hold on for dear life and let Vancouver control the ball. It will make for a very intense finish. A beautiful setup from a corner kick gave the Cavalry keeper problems and almost came loose and a close chance for the equalizer. Four minutes of extra time have been added.
The final score remained the same and with the goals away aggregate, the Whitecaps advanced to the next round. It was a solid display by the Calgary Cavalry team and left a bit of a sour taste with the 11,853 fans attending the game. It has been a long stretch of games for the Whitecaps, and it showed with the number of players used over the last few games. This will help them in the future and for the upcoming MLS games.
Next up for the Caps is an MLS game with the red-hot Miami CF team with Messi and company. Hoping for a great match and a full stadium this Saturday May 25 at 7:30 pm.

*** Last-minute revision. Messi will NOT travelling with the team ***

Carlos Parra✍️
Writer/Journalist
Jorge Parra📸
UnderDog Productions

04/19/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs LA Galaxy at BC Place
As the Caps get ready to play the Galaxy, they find themselves currently in 1st place in the Western Conference and only one point ahead of the Galaxy with a game in hand. A good performance by the Caps will go a long way into solidifying their current success and continue to be the talk of the MLS so far this season.
This game will mark the seventh straight game at BC Place with an attendance of over 22,000 fans.
The game began and the Galaxy took control of the ball from the first whistle. The Caps are letting them keep possession but with no real danger at their own goal. In the ninth minute, a close call came from a strong shot that Caps keeper Takaoka was able to stretch and save. It was the first clear chance in goal by either team so far. LA has had 96% of the possession so far.
Fafa Picault will have to be replaced by Pedro Vite in the 16th minute due to an injury from an awkward tackle. Not much has occurred so far on either net, until the 28th minute, when Gauld placed a beautiful pass to a sprinting Brian White, who was able to control the ball and place a shot that went just wide of the left post. First chance by the Whitecaps so far. A very uneventful first half that has only produced two chances for a goal by either team. The Caps back line has looked very strong, and Tristan Blackmon has been the best back, clearing any attempts from the Galaxy on the left side. Again, White with a header in the 45th minute almost gave the Caps the lead. Veselinovic was shown a yellow card in extra time. The half ends 0 – 0 without much to get excited about. Hoping for a more direct approach by the Caps in the second half. The game needs a goal to infuse some energy and get the crowd cheering.
The second half began with more intensity by the Caps and trying to get into the offensive side. Raposo came off for Sam Adekugbe. In the 54th minute, Ahmed was shown a yellow card for embellishing a foul in the box.
Subsequently, in the 56th minute, a quick counter by LA found an open Joveljic who took a rebound and placed a soft kick into the open net. Considering the way the play has gone so far, LA is deserving of the lead and maybe this will make the Caps wake up and go on the attack. A mistake by the LA keeper almost gave White the chance to score the tying goal. With 25 minutes to go, the Caps begun to apply pressure while looking for the equalizer.
Finally, the Caps were able to tie the game with a great header from Brian White in the 78th minute off a corner kick from Gauld. It was his third goal of the season. The Galaxy came right back with a goal of their own in the 80th minute to retake the lead. The goal was scored by Paintsil.
Another break and the Caps suffered the third goal against when Diego Fagundez was left unmarked in the box and easily scored.
Three quick changes by the Whitecaps with 5 minutes to play to see if they can start the comeback. Chances are coming fast and furious, but LA is holding strong. With six minutes of extra time, it looks like the Caps will suffer only their second loss of the season and now places them in second place behind the same LA Galaxy team. Final score, Whitecaps 1 – LA Galaxy 4.
The announced attendance of 25,026 unhappy fans will have to wait until May 4 to see their team again at home against Austin FC. Next for the Caps is an away game against their Cascadia rival, Seattle Sounders on Saturday April 20th.

Carlos Parra✍️
Jorge Parra📸
For UnderDog Productions

04/07/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Toronto FC at BC Place
As the Whitecaps get set to celebrate their third annual Vaisakhi celebration, the rivalry against Toronto will continue and bragging rights are up for grabs. The Caps are fresh off their last win against the Portland Timbers and are currently sitting in 2nd place in the tough Western Conference.
Brian White comes back into the starting lineup after suffering a concussion and after only 6 minutes of play, he stole a ball off the Toronto defender and walked right into the box to place a precise shot past the outstretched Sean Johnson. Whitecaps 1 – Toronto 0.
Toronto came close in the 18th minute after a ball hit the left post and the rebound bounced off Veselinovic’s leg. Close call and a warning not to sit back after taking the lead.
Teams continue to trade chances at either end making it a very exciting game. Caps were rewarded with a brilliant goal off the head of Fafa Picault from a cross by Schopf. It was Picault’s 50th goal in the MLS. Caps are putting on relentless pressure on the Toronto goal and coming close to extending their lead. First yellow card of the game went to Toronto's #16, Tyrese Spicer in the 45th minute of play, for a clumsy tackle from behind on Ahmed.
First half is over, and the Whitecaps are in total control of the game with a score of 2-0. Hopefully last week’s game is still fresh in their minds and does not repeat itself. Solid performance so far and the Caps must continue with a killer instinct.
The second half began with only one substitution for Toronto FC. Leaving the game is O'Neil, being replaced by Thompson. Andrés Cubas received a yellow card for a bit of a strong tackle in the center of the park.
Fafa came close to scoring with a solid run on the left flank that ended with a shot hitting the side netting. Caps make their first lineup change by bringing in Ryan Raposo for Ali Ahmed, after 62 minutes of play. Toronto adds another midfielder, with Coello coming in for Longstaff. Coello received a yellow card in the 69th minute. More changes are coming for the Caps, in goes Adekugbe and Blackmon for Utvik and Vite. With all the substitutions, the game has become a bit sloppy without any rhythm or intensity. With 10 minutes to play the Caps strike again on a beautiful run from midfield by Ryan Gauld who evaded two defenders and froze the TFC keeper with a low shot from inside the box. With 5 minutes left, the Caps made two more changes and in goes Johnson for Gauld and making his debut, Ralph Priso in for Cubas.
The Caps strike again from a well taken corner kick taken by Ryan Raposo to an open Ranko Veselinovic for his first goal of the season. The score now reads Whitecaps 4 – Toronto FC 0.
Takaoka made a great leg save to preserve the shutout in extra time.
An attendance of 24,678 fans left very happy with the result in one of the best games of the season so far. It was a complete game and a well-deserved win that places them in 1st place in the Western Conference with a game on hand on their closest rivals, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.
Next game is at BC Place on Saturday April 13 against LA Galaxy, a 7:30 start.
Carlos Parra✍️
Jorge Parra📸
For UnderDog Productions

04/02/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Portland Timbers (Cascadia match)
The Caps will be trying to rebound from a disappointing loss last week and welcome back their head coach Vanni Sartini from his 4-game suspension. Fans are expecting an influx of energy and fast pace to welcome Vanni back. Caps are currently sitting in the middle of the table with 7 points, same as Portland. It has the makings of a typical Cascadia game full of intensity and emotion.

With only 2 minutes played, the Caps went on the offense and a nice through ball by Ali Ahmed sent Ryan Gauld free in the box and with his left foot, placed a shot that the defender was able to clear but on the rebound Gauld was able to place the ball past the Canadian International keeper Maxime Crepeau with a great right footed strike. The crowd erupted in cheers and could not ask for a better start.

The Whitecaps continued to pressure Portland and came close to extending their lead with a ball that hit the cross bar and was cleared off the line by a Timbers defender.

Halfway through the first half, the game is more even, but the Caps have had the better chances to score. They have not allowed Portland to get creative in the midfield and continue to put pressure when the Timbers have the ball. The crowd continues to make life miserable for goalkeeper Crepeau, every time he touches the ball. This goes back to when he left the Caps without any real explanation as to why he opted out.

The Whitecaps were rewarded with a second goal with a brilliant strike from Fafa Picault in the 29th minute. The ball was beautifully placed to the left of Crepeau. So far, the quick counter attacks by the Caps is giving Portland headaches on both flanks with Ahmed and Kreilach.
The score at halftime, Whitecaps 2 – Timbers 0

The 2nd half began with only one substitution by Portland. Picault tried his luck with a shot from about 25 yards that went high above the cross bar. Then Cubas received a yellow card for a tackle that should have gone the other way. Shortly after that, a quick counter by the Timbers in the 52nd minute mark resulted in a goal by Evander with a well place low shot past Takaoka to make the score Caps 2 – Timbers 1. The Caps better be aware that it is too early to go into a defensive style. Hope it doesn’t backfire.

The Whitecaps made their first substitution of the game with 27 minutes to go. In goes Levante Johnson for Damir Kreilach. A flurry of play around the Timber goal almost extended the Caps lead. In the 71st minute, Laborda leaves the game and in comes defender Utvik.

Felipe Mora scores with a header inside the box to even up the score at 2. With 10 minutes to go, the Caps made 3 substitutions, in goes Adekugbe, Raposo and Berhalter for Ahmed, Schopf and Vite. Unfortunately, the defensive style in the second half allowed Portland to control ball possession and they were able to even up the score.

A great second effort by Ryan Raposo put the Caps back in the lead in the 87th minute. The play began with a cross from Sam Adekugbe that the goalie was able to push aside and Picault tried to heel kick towards the goal and Raposo threw himself towards the ball to push it past the goal line. The score is now Caps 3 – Timbers 2. With 4 minutes of extra time, Portland will surely go on the attack.

A late sub by Portland provided another forward and the Timbers came close, but the Caps were able to withstand the pressure and secure the 3-2 win that places them in 2nd place in the Western Conference, two points behind LA Galaxy but with a game on hand.
Next on the schedule is a home date against the Canadian rival Toronto FC on Saturday April 6 at BC Place Stadium, 4:30pm start.

Let's hope for another big crowd. Today’s attendance was announced at 24,693 happy fans.

Welcome back Coach Vanni!!!

Carlos Parra ✍️ for UnderDog Productions
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 📷

03/24/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Real Salt Lake
March 23, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS) at BC Place

The Caps are back in town and coming off a great start to the season that has them in 2nd place in the Western Division and undefeated after three games played. The talk around the team is of quiet optimism and focusing on maintaining their form in order to continue to grow as a team. They are still without their coach Vanni Sartini, suspended. Fans are hoping for a great game and would be happy to see the winning ways continue during the four game home-stand. The starting formation for the Whitecaps is 3-4-3 and will add a more offensive-minded style.
Tentative start to the game by both teams and both teams settled into the match after 10 minutes of play. Real has been in control of the ball and most of the play has been on the Caps half of the field. It took 25 minutes before the Caps were able to put pressure on the Real backline. A couple of close calls came from a shot by Ryan Raposo that went wide with a header by Alessandro Schopf inside the box was handled by the Real keeper. In the 33rd minute of play, the Caps passed the ball well and were rewarded with a goal from the foot of Damir Kreilach (first goal of the season) off a beautiful through ball from Brian White. The first half comes to an end with a much better final 20 minutes from the Caps.
The stats have the Whitecaps even on ball possession, with a well- deserved 1-0 lead so far. We expect a more attacking Real side in the second half, which will suit the Whitecaps well to counter and perhaps extend their lead.
The second half started as expected with Real on the attack. In the 56th minute, Brian White had to be substituted by Ali Ahmed, due to a concussion. Real has come close to tying the score in a few occasions, but have failed to finish on their opportunities.Two more substitutions for the Caps, in goes Luis Martins and Sebastian Berhalter, for Alessandro Schopf and Javain Brown.
On a quick counter after a missed chance by the Caps, Real evened up the score with a strike inside the box by Anderson Julio. It was deserved, as they were hovering all over the Whitecaps backline. With 16 minutes left, the Caps goal scorer Kreilach was replaced by Levante Johnson. This change should give the Caps a little more speed up front and hopes for the winning goal.
A slow build up in the 76th minute gave Real the go ahead goal with a long strike from Alexandro Katranis. The Caps had been holding back far too long and allowing Real to control the possession, which creates more chances on goal. Not exactly a recipe for success. With under eight minutes left in the game, Real would inject new legs by bringing in three players to finish the game. With five minutes left, the Caps bring in, for his 1st game as a Whitecap, Bjorn Irvin in for Ryan Raposo. The additional nine minutes of extra time was a real mockery by Real with time wasting tactics that infuriated the crowd and frustrated the Caps.
An announced crowd of 22,178 fans are leaving disappointed with the result, with the end of the undefeated streak to start the season. Hopefully a lesson learned and we can look at a much better performance in their next home game against Portland Timbers on Saturday March 30.
Final score, Whitecaps 1 - Real Salt Lake 2

Carlos Parra ✍️
Jorge Parra 📸
For UnderDog Productions