A last-second header goal from Erik Hurtado salvaged what was nearly a devastating loss for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Instead, the Whitecaps jumped back for the home draw and a point.
Hurtado’s goal drew the Whitecaps a point in a tight affair in Vancouver, as the Whitecaps drew the Colorado Rapids, 3-3. Making the playoffs for the Whitecaps can technically still happen, but it’s all but impossible. The Seattle Sounders lie one point ahead and have two games in hand, while the Sporting KC sits five points ahead in sixth place with a game in hand as well.
Goals from Kendall Waston and Pedro Morales in the second half drew the Whitecaps level as the game wore on. Shkelzen Gashi scored two goals on the night, one from a penalty kick and another from a free kick while Dominique Badji opened scoring with an early tally.
Gashi’s 75th minute free kick looked like the winner up until the last second of the game. Hurtado’s play at the back post prevented the Rapids from leapfrogging LA Galaxy and the Rapids still stand in third in the West. However, the Rapids have two games in hand over the Galaxy.
Next weekend, the Rapids return home to take on the Timbers. The Whitecaps stay home next weekend to face the Sounders.
MAN OF THE MATCH
With a goal and an assist on the night, Erik Hurtado powered the Whitecaps to a draw. He did well to upstage a two-goal performance from Shkelzen Gashi.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
The Whitecaps stole what was about to be a nice road win for the Rapids when Erik Hurtado headed in the last-second equalizer.
MATCH TO FORGET
Despite scoring in the second half, Kendall Waston caused the Whitecaps a big disadvatage by getting sent off in this match. He dragged down Dominque Badji for a penalty kick in the 56th minute, allowing Shkelzen Gashi to convert the penalty.
Never would have imagined that what is still a virtually worst-to-first turnaround season could be this ugly and disappointing.