Whitecaps rally with two late goals, stun Galaxy and advance in Leagues Cup

Vanni Sartini served up a number of pre-game explanation why his Vancouver Whitecaps can be hard-pressed to beat the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday and advance to the spherical of 32 within the inaugural Leagues Cup.

Turns out the colorful head coach was mistaken — and he’s greater than OK with that.

Sartini had stated that beating the Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park can be “super tough,” particularly after torching the Los Angeles facet for 3 first-half objectives of their final Major League Soccer assembly at BC Place in Vancouver. The Caps ultimately received that July 15 match 4-2.

“They’ll (Galaxy) want to show everyone that they are much better than that. It won’t be easy.”

After falling behind 1-0 on a Riqui Puig aim within the sixteenth minute, the Caps cranked up the strain. It paid off with an personal aim within the 81st minute. One minute into stoppage time Brian White scored the winner for the guests, who eradicated the Galaxy from the Leagues Cup with the comeback victory and secured second place in West Group 3.

It was White’s twelfth aim throughout all competitions this season, equalling his finest scoring season with the membership. He scored 12 objectives in 2021.

Ten minutes earlier than full time, Whitecaps FC levelled the rating line towards the run of play. Ryan Gauld whipped a cross right into a busy field, forcing Lucas Calegari of the Galaxy to take a clumsy contact, directing the ball into the again of his personal internet.

Vancouver opened the Leagues Cup with a 2-2 draw towards Leon, however misplaced 16-15 in penalties. Leon then edged L.A. Galaxy 1-0 on July 26, setting the stage for Sunday’s showdown in California.

The spherical of 32 matches get underway subsequent Wednesday. The Whitecaps will play on Friday (Aug. 4) towards the visiting Mexican powerhouse Tigres UANL, who defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 on Sunday evening.

THROW-INS: Attendance in Carson, Calif., was introduced at 14,787. … The Galaxy managed ball possession 61.1 per cent to the Caps’ 38.9 per cent, and outshot Vancouver 16-10 … The Whitecaps shall be assembly Tigres for the third time in staff historical past. In 2017, the Caps confronted Tigres within the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, with the LIGA MX facet ultimately successful the two-match collection 4-1 on combination … Vancouver’s subsequent MLS house match is Aug. 20 towards the Earthquakes.