Alphonso Davies and Nicolás Mezquida scored in the first half to give Vancouver Whitecaps FC a close 2-1 win over Montreal Impact.
The game was the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal series.
Whitecaps goalkeeper Spencer Richey recorded five saves, including a clutch stop on a penalty kick by Patrice Bernier.
Head coach Carl Robinson decided to change up his starting lineup, putting together a mixture of experience and youth.
The move paid off almost immediately.
Mauro Rosales began the play out wide on the right side, playing the ball forward to Brek Shea. Shea sent a cross to the middle of the box, getting a slight redirection off a soft Mezquida flick, and right to Davies. Davies directed the ball into the net with his left foot for the 1-0 lead in the 13th minute.
Calm, cool and collected, @AlphonsoDavies bags the first of the match! #VANvMTL #canChamps pic.twitter.com/HDN7kXAizk
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) May 24, 2017
The ‘Caps kept the pressure on Montreal and were rewarded in the 33rd minute.
Davies broke down the Montreal defence on the left side, splitting three defenders, and penetrating into the corner of the 18-yard box. The ball sprung loose after Davies collided with Impact midfielder Hernán Bernardello, and Mezquida was there to pounce, burying the ‘Caps second goal to pad the lead, 2-0.
33' @AlphonsoDavies with the hustle, and @nico_mezquida with the clinical finish. 'Caps up 2-0. #VANvMTL #BattleoftheNorth pic.twitter.com/vSUix8w0QQ
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) May 24, 2017
Montreal eventually got their offense going and sliced the Vancouver lead in half
In the 62nd minute, Daniel Lovitz launched the attack with a forward pass over the top to a leaping Anthony Jackson-Hamel, who headed the ball to Choinière.
Montreal did not let up and had numerous chances to even up the game. Chris Duvall’s long-distance strike found the left post in the 68th minute, and Jackson-Hamel’s rebound attempt from point-blank range went wide of the near post.
Bernier had once last chance in the last minute of extra time but was once again denied by Richey.
The Whitecaps play next on Saturday when they host D.C. United in MLS action. Kickoff at BC Place is at 4:00 p.m.
