Vancouver Whitecaps 0-2 Toronto FC: Reds dominant in Canadian derby

Toronto FC proved themselves to be the class of Canada in a dominant 2-0 derby win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.

Key points

• Fairly non-eventful first half, however Toronto FC were the better of the two sides. They controlled play, with 59.2 per cent possession.
• Brek Shea sent off for dissent midway through the second half, putting Vancouver down to ten men.
• Victor Vazquez scored his first goal for TFC to give them a late lead.
• Jozy Altidore doubled that lead moments later, with his second goal of the year.

The first half

After a slow start last week, Toronto FC played far better out of the gate. They created a couple of decent chances within the first 15 minutes of the match, while not allowing the Vancouver Whitecaps much time on the ball.

The Whitecaps did not create much at all in the half, with Toronto FC controlling possession and the run of play. The Caps best chance of the half came when a goalkick from Alex Bono was blocked by Fredy Montero, but the ball skidded harmlessly wide.

Both teams were also denied what appeared to be legitimate penalty shouts during the half. First, Justin Morrow was brought down in the box by Kendall Waston, and could not believe when the referee did not point to the spot. Later in the half, Nicolas Mezquida was left in similar disbelief after being brought down by Eriq Zavaleta.

The plays were reminiscent of a half that saw both teams play a punishing physical style. Overall, however, the half had very few moments of attacking quality for either team.

The second half

The game opened up a little bit more in the second half with both teams trading chances. This ended up benefiting the Whitecaps, who had taken Canadian international Alphonso Davies off for Christian Bolanos. Bolanos had an instant impact.

Struggling a little bit, Toronto FC made a substitution of their own when they brought on Victor Vazquez for Armando Cooper. Vazquez himself had an instant impact, setting up Justin Morrow for a shot that was stopped by Whitecaps debutant Spencer Richey in goal.

The Whitecaps, however, were dealt a huge blow in 70th minute when Brek Shea was given a pair of yellow cards. After bringing down Nick Hagglund, Shea said something to the referee that earned him a sending off.

Down to ten men, the Whitecaps fell apart. TFC took the lead off the head of Vazquez after Jozy Altidore headed a Raheem Edwards cross into his path. It was Vazquez’ first goal for Toronto FC.

Four minutes later it was Altidore who doubled Toronto’s lead, his second goal of the season. Altidore brilliantly turned the Vancouver backline before firing the ball into the back of the net.

What’s next?

Toronto FC now head into an international break, giving them plenty of time to prepare for their March 31 home opener against Sporting KC.