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Whitecaps 3 NYCFC 2: Reyna shines as Caps come back in big win

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By Megan Stewart

Say hello to Yordy Reyna!

In scoring his first Major League Soccer goal of the season Wednesday night, and his first for the Whitecaps, the 23-year-old Peruvian striker managed to do what the Whitecaps have struggled to accomplish of late.

Reyna scored in the 88th minute and did so without a scripted pass coming his way off a set piece.

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The Whitecaps defeated New York City FC 3-2 in front of a sellout crowd of 22,120. And they were thrilled to meet the player coach Carl Robinson has been excited to introduce since Reyna was signed to little fanfare in the off-season.

Subbed into the game part way through the second half, the 5-7 attacker immediately sparked his side, which had held its own to maintain a 2-2 draw against the deep centre field talents of David Villa and Andrea Pirlo, two star internationals now playing their final professional years in the Big Apple.

Before he scored the winner in the 88th minute, Reyna showed skill to control and distribute the ball, switching it at one point down the left flank and later cracking a hard left-foot shot that called on keeper Eirik Johansen to make a big save.

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His goal came off a low cross from Jake Nerwinski who sent the pass into the box where Reyna finished it off.

Fredy Montero celebrates scoring the game’s first goal.
Fredy Montero celebrates scoring the game’s first goal.

Coach Robinson said he has high expectations for the young international once he learns to make his moves in the right third of the field.

“He wants to get on the ball,” said the coach. “You see his tricks and flicks. I want him to do that in the right areas.”

Fredy Montero scored the first goal of the game, at 2:13, leaving a New York City defender on the pitch with his head in his hands, having beat Alexander Ring to a smart pass from Brek Shea and curling the shot across the crease to the far post.

Until Montero opening with the go-ahead goal, the Whitecaps hadn’t found the net except off set pieces. Since June 3, they’ve scored five goals in four games, but all of them off penalty shots, free kicks and corners.

Jordan Harvey also scored for the Caps with a goal in the 54th minute that tied the game 2-2.

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NEXT GAME

Wednesday, July 19

Vancouver Whitecaps at L.A. Galaxy

7:30 p.m., StubHub Center

TSN, TSN 1040 AM

Jordan Harvey and Fredy Montero look at New York City FC Yangel Herrera holding his face after a tackle.
Jordan Harvey and Fredy Montero look at New York City FC Yangel Herrera holding his face after a tackle.
New York City FC’s Alexander Callens, left, vies for the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps’ Kendall Waston, centre, and Andrew Jacobson during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, B.C., on Wednesday July 5, 2017.
New York City FC’s Alexander Callens, left, vies for the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps’ Kendall Waston, centre, and Andrew Jacobson during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, B.C., on Wednesday July 5, 2017.
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