Romeo’s Header Brings Valour Surprise 2-2 Draw Against Whitecaps
-
By Kaus Pandey
- —
Summary:
- Rocco Romeo scored an important first-half header in Valour FC’s 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
- The player dedicated his performance to his family, with emphasis on his father, who was celebrating his birthday.
- The second leg of the Canadian Championship quarterfinal will be played on July 9 at B.C. Place.
Valour FC defender Rocco Romeo delivered a moment of magic in the 38th minute, rising above a crowded box to head home a perfectly delivered corner kick.
The surprising goal helped the Canadian Premier League side earn a 2-2 draw against Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps during the first leg of the Canadian Championship quarterfinals.
Romeo: “I Couldn’t Really Believe It”
I just saw the ball come in, perfect ball. And then when the ball hit my head, I couldn’t really believe it, honestly
Romeo’s thoughts went to his dad, who was coincidentally celebrating his birthday on the same day. He also dedicated his goal to his two grandmothers.
“A nice birthday gift for him”, the 25-year-old Torontonian added with a smile on his face.
Not many could have predicted Valour’s strong performance, as the team entered the match with a 1-4-1 CLP league record and a recent 2-1 win over York United, which likely boosted their confidence.
On the other side, Vancouver arrived as reigning Canadian Championship winners and one of MLS’s top-performing teams and will also be competing in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final after beating Inter Miami in the last round.
Despite the mismatch on paper, Valour showed grit and determination throughout the game.
Coach Phillip Dos Santos: “I’m Proud of the Guys.”
“You need to be going through adversity to display character,” said Valour head coach Phillip Dos Santos.
In-between being in a really difficult zone and finding success, that’s the area where you grow. And I think we spent a lot of time in that area today. I’m proud of the guys.
Vancouver struck early. Just six minutes in, Sam Adekugbe hammered a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.
Valour responded fast and nearly hit the equalizer in the 31st, only for Isaac Boehmer to recover from a shaky moment under pressure.
Romeo’s goal brought Valour level, and in the 51st minute, Bruno Figueiredo gave the home side the lead with a stunning long-range strike.
The Whitecaps responded in the 80th minute after several substitutions. Ali Ahmed latched onto a loose ball at the top of the area and buried the equalizer.
“I think I was quite happy with what we got out of the game,” said Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen, who also applauded Valour’s “very good” tactical game played against them.
With the tie level, all eyes now turn to the decisive second leg on July 9 at B.C. Place, find the best legal betting sites with Betting.ca
