D.C. United came into the game with probably a little ego bruise, still searching for their first win of the 2016 MLS season. Thankfully for them, forward Fabian Espindola veritably rocketed onto the pitch, streaking up and down without fatigue until he managed one, then another goal.
That brace teed things up perfectly for fan favorite and forward Alvaro Saborio, who subbed in for Espindola at the 79th and scored twice in one three-minute stretch.
The Vancouver Whitecaps threatened with some dangerous-looking chances, including a pair from Blas Perez and Masato Kudo. D.C. United sent the Whitecaps away from their home turf with no points, leaving the Canadians to regroup before their next match, against Real Salt Lake.
Box Score
- 39' – DC – Fabian Espindola
- 54' – DC – Fabian Espindola
- 88' – DC – Alvaro Saborio
- 90'+1' – DC – Alvaro Saborio
- Full box score
- Stats
- Watch game highlights
Three Things
- ESPINDOLA EXCELS: If anyone came into the game clearly hungry to redeem himself and his squad, it was D.C. United’s Espindola. Running down the pitch with relentless speed, the Argentine saved the day by magically never seeming gassed – and scoring the first brace of the game.
- OUSTED STILL OWNS: The two Espindola and Saborio goals aside, the Whitecaps’ David Ousted proved why he’s one of the top ’keepers in MLS, carrying most of his team’s defensive action. The Dane came up with some particularly sweet saves throughout, denying two other Espindola efforts, as well as other shots from Nick DeLeon and Marcelo Sarvas.
- SABO'S SO SMOOTH: Saborio must have been doing some serious resting, visualization, and psyching himself up as he waited to sub on for Espindola late in the game. It took him just over 2 minutes to bag his own brace, at 88' and 90'+1'.
They Said It
Next Up
- DC: Saturday, April 16 vs. Toronto FC (5 pm ET, TSN4, MLS Live)
- VAN: Saturday, April 17 at Real Salt Lake (10 pm ET, TSN, MLS Live)
