Rivero, Techera score in 2nd half, Whitecaps beat Rapids 2-0

VANCOUVER – Octavio Rivero and Cristian Techera scored 4 minutes apart in the second half as the Vancouver Whitecaps beat the Colorado Rapids 2-0 on Wednesday to take the sole lead in Major League Soccer.

Rivero scored in the 73rd minute, heading home his 10th goal of the season when he headed home a lofted Techera pass. Rivero tore off his jersey in celebration — a reaction that earned him a yellow card — before being mobbed by teammates.

Techera fired a shot past a helpless Clint Irwin in the 77th.

With the win, Vancouver is now two points ahead of the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS standings.

In Wednesday’s other game, Sporting Kansas City drew the Portland Timbers 0-0 after Sporting goalkeeper Tim Melia managed to fend off a flurry of shots.

Sporting and Portland are locked in a battle for playoff position, knotted in a three-way tie for fourth in the Western Conference with Seattle with on 41 points each. Portland extended its home unbeaten streak to 10 games.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.