Dominic Runghen / staff reporter
Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off the season with an amazing start against Portland timbers with a 1-0 win. It was a very intense game as both teams had a total of 15 shots, Vancouver had 2 on target and Portland had 5 on target. Portland dominated Vancouver on stats as they had 54% of possession.
Independence sports says “The Timbers took their time in possession and forced the ‘Caps back to defend their half. An early chance for the Timbers nearly found the back of the net as Diego Valeri’s cross – deflected by Andy Rose – dinked off the crossbar in the 35th minute of play”. Cavallini header leads ‘Caps over rival Timbers on opening night – ISN (independentsportsnews.com)
Luckily in the 49th minute Lucas Cavallini received a beautiful cross from Cristian Gutierrez and scored an astonishing header putting Vancouver in the lead. Cavallini scores winner as Whitecaps beat Timbers in season opener (sportsnet.ca).
As Cavallini scored he kicked a microphone behind the net with passion running towards the corner flag to meet his teammates as they celebrated with excitement.
In the 78th minute of the game, Portland goalkeeper Steve Clark had to leave the game because of an injury.
In the 81st minute Vancouver had an amazing chance as Christian Dajome took a great shot that ended up in the back of the net but unfortunately the ref called for VAR eventually calling the goal off.
This victory managed to place Vancouver in 6th place on the western conference leaderboards. Portland falls to 11th place out of 13 due to their defeat.
Vancouver had a great start to the season, but they have a very tough competitor ahead facing Toronto FC.
Since the tournament just started anything can happen, Portland can still make it back up to the top of the table and even whitecaps can continue the season with victories.
Cavallini header leads ‘Caps over rival Timbers on opening night – ISN (independentsportsnews.com)
Cavallini scores winner as Whitecaps beat Timbers in season opener (sportsnet.ca)Lucas Cavallini goal lifts Vancouver Whitecaps over Portland Timbers (sportsnaut.com)
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HIGHLIGHTS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers | April 18, 2021 – YouTube