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March 5th was the home debut for the 2017 addition for local fan favorites the Vancouver Whitecaps as they played host to the Philadelphia Union in front of 19,083 fans at BC Place.

In fine fashion they managed to keep the sheet clean for their second straight outing in three short days.

For those who attended the CONCACAF match you had to be impressed with the play of 16 year-old Alphonso Davies who at times excited the crowd with impressive dazzling moves and impressive runs.

To the surprise of no one Whitecaps Head Coach Carl Robinson added a fresh face to the roster, namely Christian Dean due to the suspended Kendall Watson.

This was his (Christian Dean) first appearance on the pitch since August 2015 after he missed last season due to an injury and he did so in impressive fashion being named as the Budweiser Man of the Match.

The new-look Whitecaps also added Sheanon Williams at right back who took over for Jake Nerwinski and it’s interesting to point out not only was this his debut, but it was against his former MLS club.

Tim Parker and Jordan Harvey were exceptional on the back line that saw Harvey deliver a Fabinho pass that missed the back post in the 16th minute.

Try as they might the Union came close in the second half, but it was the Caps who came extremely close in breaking the nil-nil draw with a corner kick in the 66th minute.

Bench Boss Carl Robinson sent in newcomers Brek Shea and Fredy Montero prior to the 60 minute mark only followed a short while later by Nicolas Mezquida that saw them push for a late game winning goal.

MATCH DETAILS

Budweiser Man of the Match: Christian Dean

Referee: Sorin Stoica

Attendance: 19,083

Statistics

Possession: Vancouver 45.4 % – Philadelphia 54.6%

Shots: Vancouver 12 – Philadelphia 7

Shots on Goal: Vancouver 1 – Philadelphia 5

Saves: Vancouver 5 – Philadelphia 0

Fouls: Vancouver 9 – Philadelphia 12

Offsides: Vancouver 2 – Philadelphia 1

Corners: Vancouver 2 – Philadelphia 3

There were two cautions handed out to Whitecaps Matias Laba (55th minute) and Philly’s Fabian Herbers in the 80th minute.

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