Vancouver’s Haber saves Whitecaps FC a point

When Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Marcus Haber scored late on Match Day Two of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, he sent the local fans into a frenzy. The penalty goal was just an equaliser, but it was enough to save Vancouver the hurdle of starting the 2010 championship without a point.



“At that point in the game, it was huge,” said Haber. “It was a huge goal because we don’t like our chances as much if we don’t come away with a point in that game.”



Vancouver Whitecaps FC played to a 1:1 draw with Impact Montréal on Wednesday 5 May at Swangard Stadium in Vancouver. The draw means that both Vancouver and Montréal are tied with one point, although Montréal has already played two matches while Vancouver has played just one. One week earlier, Montréal lost 0:2 to Toronto FC on Match Day One.



“I just wanted to make good contact,” said Haber of his penalty goal on Wednesday night. “I knew which side I wanted and I just went for the corner.”



The 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship runs six consecutive Wednesday nights from 28 April to 2 June, so there isn’t much room for error. Last year, the Whitecaps finished tied with Toronto FC on nine points, but lost the Canadian title in the tie-breaker scenario thanks to goal differential. Toronto FC won the Voyageurs Cup and qualified for CONCACAF Champions League.



Haber, 21, is one of several Canadians that would love to represent Canada in the continental championship. Of the 20 players who have scored at least one goal these past three years (Montréal’s Peter Byers was No. 20 last night), Haber is one of six Canadians and the only Canadian to have scored in back-to-back seasons.



He is also one of numerous players in the championship that has represented Canada at the international level. He has represented Canada in CONCACAF championships at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 / Olympic levels. He has also participated in one FIFA U-20 World Cup.



“Playing at the international level is always good for your development because you are exposed to some of the best players in the world,” said Haber. “I am very grateful to have represented my country many times. I just love playing for Canada.”



In 2009, Haber scored an opening minute goal against Montréal at Stade Saputo, a championship record for the quickest goal from the opening whistle. Since last year, he has been signed to West Bromwich Albion of England. He rejoined Vancouver on loan in time for the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship.



“The experience has been real good,” said Haber. “The team looks after its players and their technical director stays in contact with me.”



Vancouver has an off week next Wednesday when Toronto visits Montréal, but will then play three consecutive Wednesday nights from 19 May to 2 June. In such a short competition, no team can afford not to pick up points in every match.



“We need to remain patient, not get ahead of ourselves and focus on each match,” said Haber. “We know that if we are solid defensively, we can score goals.”