Whitecaps FC 2 Triumphs: A Stunning 5-0 Victory Over Tacoma Defiance
Match Overview
BURNABY, BC – In a captivating showdown that brought fans to their feet, Whitecaps FC 2 (2W-5L-3D) claimed an emphatic 5-0 victory over Cascadia rivals Tacoma Defiance (5W-3L-0D) on Wednesday night at Swangard Stadium. This match not only showcased the young talent of WFC2 but also underscored their potential to dominate in the MLS NEXT Pro league.
First Half: A Dominant Display
Under the radiant sun, the young ‘Caps demonstrated their prowess, expertly controlling the game with swift movements and strategic plays. With long transitions from the wings, they consistently pressured Tacoma, delivering pinpoint crosses into the danger zone.
6-Minute Breakthrough
The crowd erupted in the sixth minute when Jackson Castro’s corner kick found centre back Belal Halbouni, who soared into the air with a powerful leap to head home his very first goal in MLS NEXT Pro. This spectacular opener set the tone for what would become a historic night for WFC2.
Doubling the Lead
Only moments later, the raucous supporters cheered once more as Nikola Djordjevic delivered a well-placed cross to an onrushing Nelson Pierre. The unmarked striker coolly collected the ball and, with a clinical half-volley, struck his seventh goal of the season—extending their lead to 2-0.
Rock-Solid Defense
Isaac Boehmer, the captain and goalkeeper for WFC2, had little to worry about in the first half. His commanding presence ensured a clean sheet, reflecting the team’s solid defensive efforts.
Second Half: The Young ‘Caps Keep Pressing
The momentum did not falter after halftime; WFC2 continued to dominate play. The energy was electric as they eagerly sought to expand their lead further.
Third Goal: Pierre’s Brilliance
In the 49th minute, Johnny Selemani’s header took an unpredictable bounce, leaving Tacoma’s goalkeeper Mohammed Shour grasping at air. Nelson Pierre, ever alert, swooped in to secure his brace and make it 3-0. Now tied for the league lead, Pierre’s tally stands at an impressive eight goals.
Narrow Miss for a Hat Trick
Barely a minute later, Pierre came tantalizingly close to a hat trick, executing a stunning bicycle kick that Shour just managed to deflect over the crossbar, keeping the suspense alive.
Final Flourish: Capitalizing on the Moment
As the clock wound down, WFC2 showed no signs of slowing. In the 89th minute, Mark O’Neill added to the scoreline with a simple tap-in from inside the box. Just before the final whistle, substitute Rayan Elloumi netted his first of the season in stoppage time, bringing the final score to an astonishing 5-0.
What’s Next for WFC2?
The Blue and White will not rest on their laurels; they shift focus to another crucial home match at Swangard against Ventura County FC on Sunday, May 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT. For fans eager to catch the action, tickets are available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
Match Summary
Referee: Mo Mohseni
Scoring Summary
- 5’ – VAN – Belal Halbouni (Jackson Castro)
- 18’ – VAN – Nelson Pierre (Nikola Djordjevic)
- 49’ – VAN – Nelson Pierre (Johnny Selemani)
- 89’ – VAN – Mark O’Neill
- 90+3′ – VAN – Rayan Elloumi (Yuma Tsuji)
Cautions
- 64’ – TAC – Kaito Yamada
- 71’ – VAN – Deylen Vellios
Statistics Box
- Possession: VAN 45% – TAC 55%
- Shots: VAN 15 – TAC 13
- Shots on Goal: VAN 8 – TAC 5
- Saves: VAN 5 – TAC 3
- Fouls: VAN 9 – TAC 13
- Offsides: VAN 3 – TAC 0
- Corners: VAN 7 – TAC 6
Player Lineups
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
- Isaac Boehmer (C); Giuseppe Bovalina, Mark O’Neill, Belal Halbouni (Dembo Saidykhan, 61’), Deylen Vellios (Daniel Russo, 89’); Jeevan Badwal, Yuma Tsuji, Jackson Castro; Nikola Djordjevic (Antoine Coupland, 62’), Nelson Pierre (Rayan Elloumi, 83’), Johnny Selemani (Mateo Clark, 83’).
Tacoma Defiance
- Mohammed Shour; Cody Baker, Antonio Lopez (Leo Burney, 31’), Kaito Yamada, Reid Baker-Whiting (Joon Mo Kang, 61’); Peter Kingston, Snyder Brunell (Daniel Robles, 70’); Jackson Khoury, Sebastian Gomez (Rafferty Pedder, 70’), Travian Sousa; Yu Tsukanome.
Join the excitement as WFC2 aims to build on this remarkable victory, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and a bright future!
