this Vancouver Whitecaps Knowing they weren’t in top form Saturday night.
It doesn't matter.
Damir Kreilacher scored in injury time as the Capitals beat the Colorado Rapids 2-1.
“It's obviously a big win for us. We know we didn't play our best tonight – we're nowhere near it,” said Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld, who had two assists in the win. “But after the games we've played so many games lately, it was nice to end the game with the three points.”
The 'Caps (7-5-4) and Rapids (6-7-4) traded goals early in the second half and seemed poised to end the game in a tie until substitute Kreilach scored in the 83rd minute, firing a shot past Rapids goalie Zack Steffen for the win.
“You're not going to be at your best every week,” Gauld said. “To be able to hang in there and stay the course, even though we didn't play the best in the last 20 to 25 minutes, to be able to hang in there and support each other, it was a huge boost for the team.”
Colorado looked like it would have a golden opportunity in the 33rd minute when forward Kevin Cabral collided with Mathias Laborda in the penalty area. Referee Michael Venne awarded a penalty, but the call was overturned after video review.
The visitors then nearly scored in first-half injury time when Cabral fired a right-foot shot from the center of the penalty area. Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka reached out and headed the ball with his toes, but the ball went wide and the game ended 0-0 as the match went into the locker room.
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The Japanese goalie had two saves on Saturday, while Steffen made one for Colorado.
When Vancouver scored in the 46th minute, fans were still returning to their seats.
Canada's Ali Ahmed passed the ball to Gauld near the penalty area, and the Scottish attacking midfielder passed it to the onrushing Berhalter. The American leaped high and deflected the ball into Steffen's net with his right foot, giving the Caps a 1-0 lead.
But this advantage did not last long.
In the 50th minute, Colorado's Omir Fernandez was alone with the ball to Djordje Mihailovic at the top of the penalty area, and the Rapids sniper fired a right-foot shot to tie the game at 1-1.
With the final seconds of regular time ticking away, Gauld passed the ball to Kreilacher at the top of the box, who fired a shot that hit Steffen and slowly sailed across the goal line.
It was Kreilacher’s second goal of the season and his first appearance since spraining his ankle in late April.
The Croatian striker was mobbed by his teammates as he ran towards the touchline.
“Everyone is happy because it was a very important game,” said Whitecaps head coach Vani Sartini. “Also, I think Damir embodies the spirit of the team, the leadership of the team and the fact that he put the team ahead. So it's great that he has this moment to celebrate.”
Krilah said winning is always more important than playing beautiful football.
“At the end of the day, it’s just about the three points. Sometimes as a team you have to realise what it’s all about – it’s all about getting the three points and moving on,” he said.
“I would always take a bad game and three points over a good game with lots of chances and you’d draw or even lose the game.”
Saturday’s result moves the Caps into fifth place in MLS’ crowded Western Conference ahead of next week’s international break.
“I’m glad we got the three points because they not only made us perfect going into the restart, but they also made us more aware of what we need to work on,” Sartini said.
The two sides will face off again on June 15, when the Whitecaps travel to New England Revolution and the Rapids host Austin FC.
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