The Vancouver Whitecaps dropped a key game in the opening series of the 2018 Amway Cup semi-finals in Montreal on Wednesday dropping a 1-0 decision in the first of a two game two total goal series in the Amway Cup Canadian Championship as they head back to BC Place Stadium next Wednesday.
The Caps did have plenty of scoring opportunities in the match against the impact but were stymied by Impact goalkeeper Clement Diop who kept his team in the match when the game was scoreless in the opening half.
While at the other end goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic made his first appearance in a while coming a knee injury after three months of being on the side lines to play a good game against the Impact coming up with key saves as well to keep the scoreless in the opening half.
Both teams pressed for an early goal in the match and came inches close to scoring in the half as Montreal hit wood three times two goal post and one off the crossbar as striker struck the crossbar early in the match with Marinovic beaten in the early minutes.
Cristian Techera and Nicolas Mezquida both had chances in the opening half for the visiting Whitecaps to open the scoring but were stoned by Impact keeper Clement Diop to keep the games scoreless going into halftime.
The teams entertained the fans in the second half with end to end play, but it was Montreal that opened the scoring in 58th minute as Alejandro Silva Al beat Stefan Marinovic on a cross feed from Saphir Taider which proved to be the only goal of the match, giving Montreal the win.
Vancouver tried for the equalizer but were unable to get the ball past Clement Diop on the opening game of the two game semi-final set in and take game one of this important series with the winner advancing to the Canadian Championship final.
Game two goes in Vancouver on July 25th at BC Place Stadium at 7:00pm for tickets call the Caps office at 604-669(wave) 9283 to secure your tickets for this all important match.
Bur first the Caps have a game in Seattle against the Sounders Saturday night in MLS Play to take care of and try and get back on the winning track after dropping their last two games 3-1 to DC United and the Impact in game last night.
Montreal had 54.8 possession time as well as out shooting Vancouver 13-9 while limiting Vancouver to only 1 shot on goal.
Stefan Marinovic finished the game with 3 saves, while Vancouver had 3 Corners while Montreal had 2 corners, winning the duels match 64-51.
In addition to managing 16 tackles to the Impacts 8 tackles with each side had 1 offside.
