Whitecaps Defeat Toronto FC 4-2 in MLS Debut

Eric Hassli scored two on his debut for the Whitecaps

It was a fantastic victory. It was a victory for the fans, the players, and all of Vancouver which has now earned respect on the MLS stage. While Toronto aren't one of the best teams in the MLS, they're still tough opposition. A 4-2 win will raise the confidence but also alert the team to improve the defensive side which could've been better. In the end, I'm glad that it wasn't a boring 0-0, which would've demoralized everyone, especially the fans. Instead we got a brilliantly entertaining 4-2 victory for the Whitecaps.

The first half was a fairly tight one. Vancouver started poorly, letting Toronto keep possession and create chances as the Caps were still getting themselves organized. But once the Whitecaps got organized, they were dangerous. In the 15th minute, Chiumento (who was playing on the right wing) drifted in a lovely cross which fell to Eric Hassli, who comfortably volleyed it for the Vancouver Whitecaps's first MLS goal. Empire Field exploded with cheers as the Whitecaps designated player kissed the Vancouver Whitecaps FC badge on his shirt.

But this lead wouldn't last for long. Just five minutes later Dwayne De Rosario slipped through the Whitecaps defence and finished past Jay Nolly. It was a well timed run and a clinical finish from De Rosario, equalizing the score at 1-1. But the Whitecaps weren't going to let this goal dampen their MLS debut, and when Terry Dunfield scored the Whitecaps's second six minutes later, the crowd went wild again. 

Dunfield was served a wonderful assist by Chiumento, sliding a quick through ball for the central midfielder to slot home. It was 2-1 for the Whitecaps, and any premonitions of a boring 0-0 disappeared. It was an exciting first half, end to end, with both teams fighting for opportunities to score.

Hassli smashing in the first goal of the match

At halftime, the Whitecaps had to substitute the brilliant Chiumento for Nizar Khalfan. The second half saw an invigorated Whitecaps team play to their full potential. Atiba Harris was set up with a brilliant opportunity in front of Toronto's keeper Frei, but Harris ended up tripping over his own feet and wasting the opportunity. Yet Atiba redeemed himself a few minutes later when he scored the Whitecaps's third goal from a corner. Toronto had failed to clear the ball from their box, and when the ball fell to Harris, he banged it into the net from close range.

At 3-1, the Whitecaps were playing wonderfully. Teitur Thordarson decided to replace Teibert (who had received a knock on the legs, hopefully nothing serious) with Wes Knight, who about five minutes into his MLS debut served Eric Hassli a wonderful assist for the team's fourth goal. There's a doubt of offside regarding Knight's run, but nonetheless Knight arrived in front of Frei before squaring the ball to Eric Hassli who tapped in his second of the match.

At 4-1, the Whitecaps reached their peak. Toronto were unable to keep possession, always doing their best to defend against the pressuring Caps. But when Santos rocketed a shot into the top-left corner of Nolly's net, Toronto FC began to regroup. It was 4-2, and while the Whitecaps were confident in front of the cheering home support, the players wanted to make sure not to give up another goal. 

Thordarson awarded Eric Hassli with a standing ovation from the crowd, replacing him with the Brazilian Camilo. Eric Hassli has to be awarded man of the match. After so many people doubting whether he would be able to score goals for the Whitecaps, the Frenchman stepped up to the stage and scored two very important goals for the Caps. The match finished off, with the resonant cheers of "WHITECAPS! WHITECAPS! WHITECAPS!" rounding off a wonderful MLS debut. 

I don't think I could've dreamt of a better debut for the Whitecaps. Share any thoughts or comments below!