Vancouver Whitecaps 1 -DC United 0

Despite dominating possession for most of the night and out-shooting their opponents 24 shots to 8, DC United fell to the Vancouver Whitecaps on the road  1-0.

United hoped to get on the scoreboard quickly in the second minute when Wayne Rooney (returning to action after dealing with an upper respiratory issue that kept him out in the match prior) was able to slide a pass from the top of the box to Paul Arriola whose shot from about 12 was parried away by Vancouver keeper Maxime Crepeau.

United would rue the missed chance as the Whitecaps were able to weather the early storm and convert on their own opportunities.  In the 18th minute, Vancouver midfielder Russell Teibert was able to make a smart, incisive run into the heart of Washington’s defense. Teibert was able to pull much of United’s defense toward him before laying the ball off to  forward Yordy Reyna just outside the top of the box, who unleash a shot that skipped its way past DC keeper Bill Hamid and into the back of the net.  It was Reyna’s fifth goal of the season.

Washington tried to equalize quickly but a Ulises Segura shot from the center of the box was parried away by Crepeau.

Vancouver nearly doubled their lead in the first half but an Ali Adnan shot was just wide of the goal in the 34th minute and the Whitecaps went into the half with the lead.

The second half was much of the same as the first, with DC United dominating possession and shots that was ultimately fruitless for the Black and Red.

The best chance at goal for either squad came from Vancouver’s Freddy Montero’s corner in the 59 minute was able to connect with defender Derrick Cornelius’ head and was only just kept out of goal by a fantastic reaction save by Hamid.

Following the victory, Vancouver will go on the road to take on San Jose on Saturday, in a match that will definitely have playoff implications for the Quakes.  DC United followed up the loss to the Whitecaps with another against rivals, NY Red Bulls.  Saturday, they will face the Philadelphia Union that will go along way into determining the rest of the season for the Black and Red.

On hand to cover the match was Prost photographer Gerrit te Hennepe. You can check out more of his work on our SmugMug page.