Happy Wednesday! I wrote this as soon as we arrived home and while the adrenaline was still relatively high.
Why are we watching the Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Minnesota United FC?
We had no plans of watching the game tonight in person. On the other hand, my
younger sister was planning to watch the Whitecaps for the first time in BC
Place. However, there was a COVID scare at her workplace, and she had to get
tested this morning.
She called me ten minutes before four in the afternoon explaining the
situation and asked if I would like to buy her tickets instead since she's
self-isolating. After discussing it with my husband, we said yes. Thankfully,
there's modern technology, and she was quickly able to transfer her ticket to
me via the Ticketmaster app. I sent her the payment, and off we go.
Back in BC Place again
The last time I watched the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in person was during their
first and only MLS game
last February 29, 2020; it was two weeks before the pandemic "started."
We arrived at BC Place ten minutes before six in the evening. The gates opened
at six, and the first thing we did was buy dinner. #FoodPriority
The closest food vendor from our section was The Poutinerie. I ordered
the Short Rib Poutine, fries, and refillable drinks.
Short Rib Poutine Pulled short rib, cheese curds, red wine gravy, and green onion |
While enjoying our food, the players were warming up. The game this evening is
vital in the Whitecaps quest for a playoff spot. I was praying so hard during
the first fifteen minutes of the game. I kept praying, "Lord, please help the
Whitecaps win." over and over again. Finally, I calmed down and just started
focusing on the game.
29 seconds before kick-off |
The team scored less than a minute before the first half was over because of
an own goal. Talk about a miracle! π
Michael Boxall opens his account for the 'Caps after 10 years!#VWFC #VANvMIN pic.twitter.com/PMUJ3gjkjb
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 28, 2021
During the break, we walked around and decided on getting a hot dog and nachos with cheese from Dawson's Hot Dogs. Unfortunately, my hot dog picture doesn't look good, so here's a picture of the nachos instead.
Nachos with Cheese |
The game went on, and at the 60th minute, this happened:
Football is cruel https://t.co/6ByUQJRdrn pic.twitter.com/OSSjpE0uBf
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) October 28, 2021
My sister sent me a message asking how much I prayed for that goal to miss! It should have been a sure goal for Minnesota, but by some miracle (the post), it bounced out. Phew!
Then, at the 64th minute, Brian White scored a second goal for the Whitecaps.
So it's Dajome to Gauld to White!
PICK UP THE PHONE GREGG πΊπΈ#VWFC #VANvMIN pic.twitter.com/9l2cB6QKOQ
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 28, 2021
There were substitutions, and I applauded each player that came off the pitch because this team deserved it tonight.
Unfortunately, it's not a clean sheet because Minnesota scored a goal in the 90th minute. I'm just glad the team was able to hang on through the additional three minutes. Thank God that the Whitecaps won!
Post Game Joy
After the game was over, we stayed until the end of "Stand by Me," and I
appreciated (more than I thought I would) how Vanni Sartini walked around the
pitch, cheering with the supporters. And the team followed him around. My
hands hurt from all the clapping, but my heart was filled with joy.
I am so happy and grateful that the Whitecaps won!
I already have tickets for the game against the Sounders on November 7. That
was supposed to be my first time back in BC Place, but the universe has other
plans, and I am glad that I was able to witness this critical game.
For reference, here's a Tweet I posted around the 30th-minute mark.
I am more tense than usual since I'm watching in person. πππ Please please please win. #VWFC pic.twitter.com/vGUnumDdZf
— Smooch Food Vancouver π΅ππ¨π¦ (@smoochfood) October 28, 2021