SCCL Review: Vancouver Whitecaps

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC (pictured) gathers for a team photo prior to its Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League match against host Sporting Kansas City on September 13, 2016, Kansas City, Kansas, USA. (Photo: Mexsport)

On the last day of year, CONCACAF.com completes its review of each of the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinalists.

Today, we take a look at Canada’s Vancouver Whitecaps, which captured the top seed by winning Group C with a perfect 4W-0D-0L record, nipping Arabe Unido on goal difference (+8 to +7).

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (4W-0D-0L; 10GF, 2GA)

Group Stage Summary

The Vancouver Whitecaps were one of two teams – Arabe Unido being the other -- to post an unblemished record in the 2016/17 SCCL group stage, including two one-goal triumphs. The campaign opened with a pair of shutout victories over host Central FC (1-0) and visiting Sporting Kansas City (3-0). Vancouver then conceded only one goal in two straight games, both wins: away v Sporting Kansas City (2-1) and home v Central FC (4-1).

Group Stage Highlight

Vancouver became the first team to clinch a spot in the 2016/17 SCCL quarterfinals, when it earned a 2-1 victory over host Sporting Kansas City in Week 4. The match was delayed in the 35th minute for two hours due to lightning and torrential rain. Fifteen-year-old midfielder Alphonso Davies played a key role in the triumph. His 41st minute feed to Erik Hurtado gave the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead. Diego Rubio Kostner leveled in the 55th minute. Three minutes into stoppage time, however, Davies put the finishing touches a memorable night, latching onto a Kyle Greig pass and unleashing a 22-yard shot that deflected off midfielder Ualefi Rodrigues for the deciding goal.

Key Player

Forward Cristian Techera was the group-stage standout for Vancouver. The 24-year-old is the competition’s joint-top scorer with five goals, also chipping in with a pair of assists (tied with Hurtado for the team lead). He found the back of the net in three of four outings and his movement -- with or without the ball – was a thorn in the side of defenses.

After the Group Stage

The Whitecaps missed out on the 2016 MLS playoffs, finishing the regular season in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 10-9-15 record. Since then, a measured approach has been taken in regard to roster changes. Gone are Fraser Aird and Jordan Smith (defenders); Blas Perez and Masato Kudo (forwards); Pedro Morales (midfielder); and Marco Carducci (goalkeeper). The only new arrival is defender Sheanon Williams (Houston Dynamo).

2016/17 SCCL MATCHES

GROUP C

02.08.16 Central FC 0, Vancouver Whitecaps 1

Cristian Techera 34'

23.08.16 Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Sporting Kansas City 0

Cristian Techera 8'; Erik Hurtado 12'; Cristian Techera 65'

13.09.16 Sporting Kansas City 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 2

Diego Rubio Kostner 55' / Erik Hurtado 41'; Alphonso Davies 90'+3

28.09.16 Vancouver Whitecaps 4, Central FC 1

Blas Perez 11'; Cristian Techera 22' pen, 70’; Masato Kudo 49' / Sean de Silva 44'

QUARTERFINALS

22.02.17 New York Red Bulls v Vancouver Whitecaps (Red Bull Arena – Harrison, New Jersey, USA)