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Vancouver hammer San Jose in MLS playoffs

Kendall Waston

Vancouver Whitecaps’ Kendall Waston celebrates after scoring against Real Salt Lake during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

AP

Well, the Vancouver Whitecaps were not messing around in their opening game of the 2017 MLS Cup playoffs on Wednesday.

[ MORE: Latest MLS news ]

In the Western Conference knockout round they pummelled the San Jose Earthquakes 5-0 at BC Place to make it through to the Conference semifinals as Carl Robinson’s side secured their first-ever MLS playoff victory in the process.

Vancouver led 1-0 at half time thanks to Fredy Montero’s header and although San Jose (who sealed their spot in the playoffs with a late winner on the final day of the regular season) created chances they failed to take them and were punished.

The floodgates opened late in the second half with Cristian Techera curling home a stunning free kick, then Kendall Waston tapped home to make it 3-0. Soon after Nicolas Mezquida scored twice in quick succession to make it 5-0 and complete the rout.

Vancouver will now face Cascadia foes and the reigning MLS Cup champs, Seattle Sounders, in the Conference semifinals. The first leg will be in Vancouver on Sunday, with the return leg in Seattle next Tuesday.

Check out all of the action from a famous night for Vancouver in the video below.


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