Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Toronto FC 2 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

Jake Nerwinski's 77th-minute goal helped the Vancouver Whitecaps stun Toronto FC 3-2 at BC Place as the Whitecaps enjoyed a night of offensive production that saw Lucas Cavallini and Michael Baldisimo score their first career MLS goals.

It was Vancouver's first win over Toronto FC in three meetings this season, and the result ended a three-game losing streak for the 'Caps. The Reds dropped their second straight game.

Toronto had the vast majority of possession and chances throughout, but trailed 1-0 in the 17th minute when Ali Adnan's cross took a turf bounce up to the head of the oncoming Cavallini, who deposited the ball into the net.

TFC came back eight minutes later and made it 1-1 with captain Jonathan Osorio scoring off a pass from Alejandro Pozuelo, who registered his eighth assist of the season.

Five minutes after Pablo Piatti hit the woodwork for Toronto, Vancouver regained a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute when Baldisimo opened his Vancouver account with a right-footed blast, celebrating in style with a front flip. But Toronto once again responded, making it 2-2 in the 71st minute with a Pozuelo header goal off a pass into the box from Piatti. 

Nerwinski's goal would reestablish Vancouver's lead and they held on for their first win since a 2-0 result over Chicago on July 23 at the MLS is Back Tournament.

Goals

• 17' – VAN – Lucas Cavallini | WATCH
• 25' – TOR – Jonathan Osorio | WATCH
• 57' – VAN – Michael Baldisimo | WATCH
• 71' – TOR – Alejandro Pozuelo | WATCH
• 77' – VAN – Jake Nerwinski | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: What a way to return home for the Whitecaps, who finally played at BC Place for the first time since Feb. 29. There remains a lot of work to be done on defense, but to score three goals after three straight games without a goal is, as coach Marc Dos Santos put it, a step forward. And the win keeps the 'Caps in the postseason hunt. For Toronto FC, the berth to the Canadian Championship final still isn't locked in and a chance to move into first place in the Eastern Conference was lost.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: The Whitecaps didn't have many scoring chances but their goals were the result of being aggressive going toward the box. Just when it seemed Toronto FC would take over midway through the second half after tying the game, the Nerwinski goal off a set piece and cross into the box changed everything.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Plenty of candidates for the Whitecaps, notably Adnan and Baldisimo. But Thomas Hasal saw 22 shots and made seven saves, including a couple of sprawling stops to give his team a chance for three points.

Next Up

• VAN: Sunday, Sept. 13 vs. Montreal Impact (9:30 pm ET | TSN1, MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
• TOR: Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Montreal Impact (8:00 pm ET | TSN, MLS LIVE on ESPN+)