VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Vancouver Whitecaps kept their hopes of advancing from CONCACAF Champions League Group F alive following a 1-0 win over Honduran champions CD Olimpia at BC Place on Wednesday evening.
A first half goal from Kianz Froese was the difference between the two sides and gave Vancouver their first ever victory in the competition, putting them on four points after two matches, with two road games left.
The Whitecaps were expecting a battle and that’s just what they got from the opening whistle.
Olimpia came closest in the opening exchanges when Ever Alvarado flicked on a Oscar Salas free kick in the 11th minute that crashed off the 'Caps crossbar.
As the physicality of the match increased, the Whitecaps started to dominate possession and the finally got their reward three minutes before halftime.
Nicolas Mezquida had been the 'Caps catalyst all half and he played in Darren Mattocks with just keeper Noel Valladares to beat. The 'keeper was out quickly and the ball broke to Froese whose shot looped in from 12 yards out.
Mattocks had a chance to double the Whitecaps lead two minutes later but blasted high over from a good position at the near post.
Vancouver looked to deliver the killer blow as the second half got underway and created numerous half chances without really threatening the Olimpia goal.
The 'Caps were looking comfortable and in control but they were nearly shocked in the 78th minute when a sloppy headed clearance from Jordan Smith fell to an open Roger Rojas in the box but he blasted over.
That chance seemed to ignite the Hondurans and Michaell Chirinos fired a fierce drive straight at Paolo Tornaghi moments later.
Olimpia turned up the pressure in the closing moments but Vancouver's defense held firm under pressure.
The 'Caps nearly got their security in the final minute when Robert Earnshaw was slipped in but his chip shot rebounded off Valladares' face into the path of Marco Bustos, who fired wide of the open goal.
Vancouver held on in stoppage time for a narrow victory and a vital three points. The win means Vancouver can clinch a quarterfinal berth with a victory in their next group game in Seattle in a week’s time.
That game will be the second meeting between the Cascadian rivals in five days, with the Sounders heading north to BC Place for a crucial MLS match on Saturday afternoon with a multitude of implications for both sides.
