In a dramatic turn of events, Damir Kreilach scored in the first minute of injury time, clinching a 2-1 victory for the Vancouver Whitecaps over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. The Whitecaps (7-5-4) appeared to be heading for a draw until Kreilach, who was substituted in at the 83rd minute, fired a decisive shot past Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen, securing the win.
Sebastian Berhalter also found the net for Vancouver, while Djordje Mihailovic replied for Colorado (6-7-4). Whitecaps' keeper Yohei Takaoka made two critical saves, with Steffen recording one for the Rapids.
This win gave Vancouver a crucial three-point buffer over Colorado in the Western Conference standings as they head into next week's international break.
Early in the match, Brian White nearly gave the Whitecaps an early lead with a shot that narrowly missed the post. The American striker, who has five goals this season, has not scored since April 27.
The Rapids had a golden opportunity in the 33rd minute when Kevin Cabral was fouled in the penalty area. However, the penalty call was overturned after a video review. The Rapids came close to scoring in first-half injury time with Cabral’s shot, but Takaoka’s quick reaction prevented the goal.
The Whitecaps took the lead just after halftime when Ali Ahmed passed to Ryan Gauld, who set up Berhalter for a goal in the 46th minute. However, Colorado quickly equalized in the 50th minute with Mihailovic’s strike.
Whitecaps' newcomer Giuseppe Bovalina made a crucial defensive play in the 85th minute, clearing a potentially dangerous ball off the line. Bovalina has shown promise since joining the team in late April.
As regulation time was nearly up, Gauld assisted Kreilach, who scored his second goal of the season in his return from a sprained ankle. Colorado had a final chance to equalize with a free kick in added time, but Mihailovic's shot went over the crossbar.
Both teams will be back in action on June 15, with the Whitecaps visiting the New England Revolution and the Rapids hosting Austin FC.
NOTES: The match marked the end of a hectic period for the Whitecaps, who played nine games in six cities over 29 days. The game at B.C. Place was attended by 22,979 fans.
