Vancouver (AFP) – Brian White scored both goals as the Vancouver Whitecaps fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. American White, now joint top scorer in MLS with eight goals in nine appearances, is making a strong case for a place in the USA squad with 13 goals in 17 games in all competitions.
Mark Delgado put LAFC ahead in the 18th minute at the Western Conference leaders, firing home at the back post after a goalmouth scramble. LAFC doubled their lead 11 minutes later when, after Ryan Hollingshead was brought down in the box by Edier Ocampo, Denis Bouanga slotted home a penalty.
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The Whitecaps, finalists in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, got themselves back in the game in the 26th minute when Sebastian Berhalter whipped a free-kick into the box and White rose to nod home. Vancouver got on level terms with 20 minutes of the game remaining when, from a cross from the left, Ali Ahmed headed back across the face of goal and White was there again to convert with a simple header.
LA created the late pressure but were denied by Vancouver’s Japanese keeper Yohei Takaoka, who made a series of fine saves. “I think we are a little disappointed with the goals that we gave up and we dug ourselves a hole early in the first half,” said White. “But credit to the team to make a good little bit of a comeback, unfortunately we weren’t able to get that winner,” he added.
The Whitecaps are looking to be the first Canadian club to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup when they face Mexican giants Cruz Azul in Mexico City in the final on June 1.
© 2024 AFP
