Vancouver Whitecaps v Columbus Crew – The Worst In The West Clinching Story In Pictures

Last week’s win over Houston saw the 2019 Vancouver Whitecaps avoid becoming the worst ‘Caps team in their MLS era. Fast forward a week and a draw at home to Columbus, coupled with Houston’s win over Orlando, officially sadly confirmed the Whitecaps as the Worst in the West for the season.

With no hope now of not finishing dead last in the Western Conference, and likely second worst in all of MLS, it just reinforces what a disappointing season this has been for the ‘Caps and one which will thankfully end in two week’s time.

At least they fought to the very end against Columbus, and that’s a positive sign. The Crew thought they were home and dry and would keep their own faint playoff hopes alive after Gyasi Zardes’ 18th minute penalty, only for Fredy Fucking Montero to pop up deep into stoppage time to brilliantly head home an Ali Adnan cross and salvage a point.

AFTN photographers Tom (@ResidualImage) and Caroline (@FrogPhoto) were there to capture the action before, during, and after the game, plus some photos from the celebrity and alumni game beforehand. Here’s their “Story In Pictures”, with a full Flickr slideshow at the end.

The lads

It was a poor crowd for this one with almost as many two sticks as supporters

Heads you win

Not a lot of early action but 17 minutes in, Zac MacMath is unable to hold onto a fierce Luis Diaz shot

The rebound is eventually played to Pedro Santos, who is brought down as he tries to round MacMath

Jizzy Gardes steps up for the spot kick

And bulges the onion bag

1-0 Columbus and it’s a happy Crew, for now

Is that Kung Fu? Nope they’re both sober

The ‘Caps had a great chance to tie things up early in the second half as Theo Bair whips in a dangerous cross

That is deflected away from the waiting Tosaint Ricketts and off the left post

Only to rebound straight to the arms of the Columbus keeper

Yup, that’s how we felt as well Theo

With all hope seemingly lost, Ali Adnan sends in a cross deep, deep into stoppage time

And it’s met by Fredy Fucking Montero, who brilliantly rises to head home the last ditch equaliser

Sheer joy for Fredy and the ‘Caps

And utter dejection for Columbus meaning a sad Caleb Porter. So all’s well that end’s well!

You can see all of Tom and Caroline’s photos from the game HERE and in our full Flickr slideshow below: