Whitecaps return to action with emphatic win over Cavalry

Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1 Cavalry FC

BURNABY, BC–A throwback of sorts for the Whitecaps as this first leg of the Canadian Championship quarterfinals took place at Swangard Stadium, which was the Whitecaps’ home during their lower division days. On Wednesday night, the Whitecaps took a commanding 4-1 lead in their first leg against Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC of Calgary.

The Whitecaps got on the board first after just 69 seconds as Cavalry could not clear a ball from a long throw-in and it deflected off Adam Pearlman and in for an own goal. However, Cavalry looked to make a game out of the first leg and were level just before halftime. Pearlman put in a long throw-in, the Whitecaps had trouble clearing it, and Daan Klomp would score to make it 1-1.

The second half, however, was all Whitecaps. Thomas Müller came in to the match as a second half sub and would make an impact in the 62nd minute, Brian White’s shot was deflected by a defender, but right to the feet of Müller who put the Whitecaps ahead. White would get his goal two minutes later as he put in a rebound after Edier Ocampo’s shot was saved by Nathan Ingham.

Ryan Elloumi would complete the scoring in the 74th minute giving the Whitecaps a comfortable margin heading to the Foothills on Monday. That second leg will kick off at ATCO Field in Spruce Meadows at 6:30pm PT on ONESoccer.com.

Photos by Gerrit te Hennepe