Penalty kick lifts Minnesota United to 1-0 win over struggling Vancouver Whitecaps

Yohei Takaoka stopped three on-target shots for a Vancouver side that saw its winless skid stretch to five straight MLS matches (0-2-3).

The result complicates the Whitecaps’ post-season picture, as the club slid down to eighth place in the Western Conference standings — a position that will have to play the ninth-place team in a wild-card game before first-round action begins later this month.

The ‘Caps have two regular-season matches left on their schedule, starting with a home game against Los Angeles FC on Oct. 13.

With the win, Minnesota leapfrogged Vancouver into seventh spot in the table.

Minnesota tested Takaoka early, starting with a free kick near the top of the penalty area in the sixth minute where the Japanese ‘keeper deftly scooped up the shot.

Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi charged into the area in the 20th minute and Takaoka came well off his line to challenge the Loons midfielder, getting a foot on the ball to send it out of play.

A minute later, Laborda took down Carlos Harvey at the top of the area. Referee Ramy Touchan immediately signalled for penalty.

After an extended discussion, Dotson stepped up to take the kick in the 24th minute. His right-footed shot sailed into the side of the net as Takaoka dove to his left.

Dotson’s fifth goal of the season gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead.

Vancouver appeared to equalize in the 35th when Sam Adekugbe swung a ball into the six-yard box. It hit the foot of Minnesota’s Miguel Tapias and sailed in over St. Clair’s head.

The Whitecaps celebrated as video assistant referee Jorge Gonzalez called for review of a possible foul on the play. After checking the video, Touchan ruled Vancouver captain Ryan Gauld fouled Sang Bin Jeong before the goal. His announcement elicited boos from the announced crowd of 21,349.

Minnesota took a 1-0 lead into the locker room after outshooting Vancouver 8-0 across the first half. The visitors held a 3-0 edge in on-target shots, but the ‘Caps controlled 60.9 per cent of possession.

The ‘Caps stormed into the second half with Adekugbe firing a shot on Minnesota’s net in the 50th minute. St. Clair calmly gobbled up the shot from his teammate on the Canadian men’s national team.

The home side had another prime opportunity nine minutes later when Ryan Raposo — came off the bench in the 58th minute — crossed a ball into striker Brian White as he dove in moments too late to connect on a header inside the six-yard box.

Takaoka kept Vancouver’s deficit to a single goal in the 74th minute when Minnesota’s Loic Mesanvi powered into ‘Caps territory unmarked. The ‘keeper slid to make the stop and held on to the ball before turning play in the other direction.

Boos erupted once again in the fifth minute of injury time when Raposo was hauled down inside the penalty area and Touchan failed to pull out his whistle.

NOTES

The Whitecaps were without striker Fafa Picault, who received a pair of yellow cards in a 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday. Minnesota was also playing without a key piece as defender Michael Boxall sat out due to suspension. … Saturday marked Vancouver’s seventh game across all competition in 21 days. … Midfielder Stuart Armstrong made his first MLS start after being acquired by the ‘Caps in September.

UP NEXT

Whitecaps: Host Los Angeles FC for their final home game of the regular season on Oct. 13.

Minnesota: The Loons wrap their regular-season campaign Oct. 19 with a home match against St. Louis City.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2024.

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Penalty kick lifts Minnesota United to 1-0 win over struggling Vancouver Whitecaps

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