Whitecaps stifle Dynamo for first clean sheet and point of the season

Striker Brian White scores second of the season

Vancouver Whitecaps put an end to their scoreless streak in a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo, recording their first point of the 2023 Major League Soccer season Saturday at PNC Stadium in Houston.

White opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, heading home a cross from Julian Gressel, who also assisted on White’s goal in last week’s season opener against San Jose.

The goal was White’s second of the season, moving him into a tie for the Whitecaps’ goalscoring lead with Pedro Vite. Vite, who set up White’s goal against San Jose, is currently serving a three-match suspension for a red card received in the season opener.

The Dynamo equalized in the 71st minute when Darwin Ceren drove a shot into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.The goal was Ceren’s first of the season and his first for the Dynamo.

The Whitecaps had the better of the chances in the first half, with White and Gressel both coming close to scoring. White had a shot from close range saved by Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark in the 11th minute, while Gressel sent a free kick just wide of the post in the 33rd.

The Whitecaps have now played to a draw in all three of their matches this season, following a 1-1 draw with San Jose in the season opener and a 0-0 draw with FC Dallas in their home opener. The Dynamo have also drawn all three of their matches, with a 0-0 draw against FC Dallas, a 3-3 draw with CF Montreal and now the 1-1 draw with the Whitecaps.

The Whitecaps will look to earn their first win of the season when they host the LA Galaxy on March 11, while the Dynamo will host the Seattle Sounders on the same day.

Conclusion

The Whitecaps fought hard against a tough Houston Dynamo team, and they were able to come away with a point. It was a good performance from the Whitecaps, and they will look to build on this when they host the LA Galaxy next week.