Pérez leads the Whitecaps past Chicago

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Blas Pérez replaced an injured Masato Kudo in the 19th minute and then scored both Vancouver goals, as the Whitecaps edged the Chicago Fire 2-1 at BC Place. The ‘Caps have not lost at home since their season opener against Montreal.

After dropping a 3-2 decision to the Impact on Mar. 6, the Whitecaps have earned four wins and two draws at BC Place. That includes a comeback 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday.

Kudo, who scored his first MLS goal in the win over Portland, was hurt in a hard collision with Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson about 12 minutes into the game. Kudo was chasing down a ball over the top when Lampson charged out of his net. The pair collided at full speed, with Kudo’s head getting hit with the shoulder of Lampson. The Vancouver forward stayed down for about seven minutes before standing up under his own power and then being taken off on a cart.

With Kudo out, Pérez entered the game and made his impact felt in the 36th minute. Pérez finished off a nice pass from Christian Bolaños to open the scoring.

Chicago pulled even with a goal from Kennedy Igboananike just past the one-hour mark, but with the Whitecaps pressing they took the lead back in the 89th minute. The ball was bouncing around in the box and then Pérez went up to bury the game-winner with a highlight reel bicycle kick.

David Ousted had to make just two saves for Vancouver in the victory, while Lampson turned aside nine Vancouver attempts in the loss.

The Whitecaps will visit Toronto FC on Saturday.

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