Vancouver Whitecaps FC thought they held the edge in the 2018 Canadian Championship final, as they were leading late in stoppage time, but an own goal at the death left them level with Toronto FC 2-2 in the first leg at BC Place on Wednesday.
Vancouver earned a penalty in the first half when Tosaint Ricketts handled the ball on a corner kick, and Kei Kamara stepped up to convert the spot kick.
But Toronto found an immediate answer, as Jonathan Osorio found a pocket of space and turned in Marky Delgado's cross to tie up the game just two minutes later.
Vancouver were dealt a blow just before halftime, as Felipe was given a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Delgado.
The game largely slowed down in the second half, but for the second game in a row, Erik Hurtado came off the bench and scored a crucial goal late, as his 84th-minute tally gave Vancouver the lead after the first leg.
It wasn't the winner, however, as Doneil Henry scored a headed own goal in the 96th minute to leave the game level and give Toronto the upper hand heading into the second leg next Wednesday.
Goals
- 24' – VAN – Kei Kamara (PK) | WATCH
- 26' – TOR – Jonathan Osorio | WATCH
- 84' – VAN – Erik Hurtado | WATCH
- 90+6' -- TOR -- Doneil Henry (OG) | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: This was an up-and-down match, something that was perhaps a bit more open than most final first legs, and plenty of late drama. Toronto hold the edge with two away goals and an even series, and while Vancouver have work to do, they aren't out of it yet, certainly.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Henry's blunder at the end took all the oxygen out of the stadium, right before the final whistle.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Bradley had a battling shift in the middle of the field for Toronto and helped set up the crucial own goal at the end for TFC. They'll be hoping he has another strong performance in the second leg next week.
Next Up
- VAN: Saturday, August 11 at Portland Timbers (11 pm ET | TSN1/4 - Full TV & Streaming Info)
- TOR: Sunday, August 12 vs. NYCFC (4 pm ET | ESPN, TSN4 - Full TV & Streaming Info)
