The Vancouver Whitecaps did not prioritize its MLS match against Minnesota United on Sunday at Allianz Field. It didn’t matter.
The Whitecaps, focusing on its run in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal against Inter Miami coming Wednesday, brought eight new players into the starting XI.
The Loons’ first-choice team didn’t take advantage and when Whitecaps key players Sebastian Berhalter and Pedro Vita subbed in, they combined for three second-half goals in a 3-1 win.
Vancouver (7-1-2, 23 points) showed its depth to remain in first place in the Western Conference.
Third-place MNUFC (4-2-4, 16 points) snapped its club-record-tying eight-match unbeaten streak. Minnesota has lost for the first time since 1-0 at LAFC on Feb. 22.
Wil Trapp scored in the 80th minute, which snapped United’s 321-minute scoreless streak since he scored in New York on April 6 and the Loons then weathered two scoreless draws.
The Loons provided the better chances in the first half but they weren’t great opportunities had nothing to show for it. They outshot Vancouver 6-0, with two on target. Neither attempt challenged Yohei Takaoka much.
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