Whitecaps Extend Unbeaten Streak with 0-0 Minnesota United Draw
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By Kaus Pandey
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Summary:
- The Vancouver Whitecaps drew 0-0 with Minnesota United on Wednesday, extending their unbeaten run to 15 games.
- The Caps currently lead the Western Conference and only trail Philadelphia in the MLS.
- Attention now turns to Sunday’s CONCACAF Champions Cup final against Cruz Azul in Mexico City.
The Vancouver Whitecaps have proven to the critics that they’re a serious force to be reckoned with this MLS season,
On Wednesday night, Jesper Sorensen’s side extended their unbeaten run to an impressive 15 games across all competitions, counting seven wins and eight draws, after pulling out a 0-0 result against visiting Minnesota United.
Tristan Blackmon: “It Shows That We’re a Strong Team.”
Despite not finding the net, the Caps were the more dangerous side for much of the game.
“It shows that we’re a strong team, especially in this league”, said defender Tristan Blackmon, adding the team’s accomplishments so far have been “really impressive” while acknowledging they still have “a lot of things” to improve.
Few expected this kind of performance from Vancouver heading into the season. Pundits predicted a mid-table finish at best, and many doubted they’d even make the playoffs.
But now, sitting at 9-1-5, the Whitecaps are not only leading the Western Conference, but they’re also breathing down the neck of league leaders Philadelphia Union.
The stakes are getting even higher this weekend, as the team is getting ready for one of the most important matches in its history: the CONCACAF Champions Cup final against Cruz Azul in Mexico City after stunning Inter Miami in the semis.
Head Coach Sorensen: “I’m Happy We’re in the State We Are In”
“I’m happy we are here now and I’m happy we’re in the state we are in”, said head coach Jesper Sorensen, adding the team can now focus on Sunday’s game in Mexico, one they “have not been talking much about” so far.
We can do that now. It is a special game. And if it’s not a special game, special games don’t exist. We are looking forward. And we think we’re ready for it.
Though Wednesday’s result wasn’t what they’d hoped for, Blackmon emphasized that the group is staying focused on the bigger picture.
We want to win. Even right now, after the game, we wish we would have won this game. But the message is we have a big game this weekend and now we have all focus toward that game and we want to go out there and come back with the trophy.
The Whitecaps dominated the stats against Minnesota with more shots, more possession, and more chances, but couldn’t beat Canadian keeper Dayne St. Clair, who earned his eighth shutout of the season.
Vancouver will hope their finishing touch returns when they take the field again on June 8 against the Seattle Sounders.
