Whitecaps win first championship match

The Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off a 1:0 win over hosts Toronto FC on Canada Day, giving the Whitecaps its first three points in the 2008 Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Captain Martin Nash scored the lone goal in the 37th minute on a penalty while goalkeeper Jay Nolly posted the clean sheet.



The Impact de Montréal remain in first place with six points (two wins, no draws, one loss). Toronto FC (1-0-1) and the Whitecaps (1-0-2) are right behind with three points each. Toronto FC will travel to Vancouver for the return leg on 9 July before returning home to host the Impact for the finale on 22 July.



Both sides had their chances, although the Whitecaps played with the greater stride in the first half. The penalty in the 37th minute finally tilted the match in the Whitecaps favour. Nash made no mistake beating former teammate Greg Sutton for the goal and the 1-0 lead.



In the second half, Toronto FC started with three substitutions. The team’s performance was, in coach John Carver’s eyes, like night and day. While the Whitecaps continued to create offensive chances, the play was clearly in Toronto FC’s favour as the hosts did everything but score. Vancouver’s goalkeeper Nolly came up with several big saves, but also had the help of the crossbar in the 86th minute.