Canadian MLS clubs split points in Matchweek 5

Minnesota United 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps

Winless in their first four games into the 2023 MLS season, the Vancouver Whitecaps were tasked to grab their first-ever win at Allianz Field Saturday night.

In the opening minute, it looked like the visitors would get the dream start they needed. Caps center-forward Brian White rattled the post with a left-footed shot in the opening minute. After failing to net a goal, the tone set in that this could be a long night for Vancouver and luck might not go their way.

Minnesota United opened the score in the 40th minute with Mender Garcia heading in his second goal of the campaign. The U-23 Columbian International was in the perfect spot to get the Loons on the board first. The Whitecaps have been burnt in the air this season and seemingly look hopeless when it comes to defending aerial set plays.

Playing down a goal for nearly 55 minutes, the Whitecaps never gave up and just kept putting the pressure on Minnesota’s backend. Vancouver’s hard work paid off at the death, eight minutes into stoppage time Simon Becher found the back of the net.

The stats indicated Vancouver controlled the march firing 23 shots toward goal and owning the possession of the ball with an incredible rate at 63 percent. Even though Minnesota was without eight regulars in the lineup, Vancouver stealing a point on the road sure felt like a victory after the final whistle blew.

San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Toronto FC

Toronto FC came into this encounter on a bit of a roll at PayPal Park Saturday evening. Since losing their opening match of 2023, TFC came into this game unbeaten in their last three matches.

Toronto keeper Sean Johnson didn’t have a busy night in the box but when his club needed him, he came up huge. The 33-year-old made an incredible save in stoppage time to keep the match scoreless. With two total saves on the night, Johnson has now earned two straight clean sheets.

In five all-time meetings in San Jose, Toronto has still yet to register a win. The Reds finished the night with 54 percent of the possession, with 15 shots booted towards the net with only two on target.

Up next

Next weekend we will get our first all-Canadian matchup of 2023 in MLS. The Vancouver Whitecaps will welcome CF Montreal to BC Place. Toronto FC will host Charlotte FC in a battle that sees them separated by two points in the Eastern Conference table.