By Canadian Press

Nani’s late goal lifts Orlando City over Whitecaps 1-0.

Apr 22, 2019 | 4:03 PM

ORLANDO, Fla. — Luís Carlos “Nani” Almeida da Cunha scored in the closing minutes to help Orlando City beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 on Saturday.

Sacha Kljestan came on for Will Johnson in the 76th minute and first-timed a cross by Ruan Carlos Gomes Costa da Silva that deflected off Nani in the 88th.

Orlando City (3-3-2) outshot Vancouver (1-5-2) 16-6 and had 60.6% possession.

“I think at times we showed some decent passages, but I think we could have played a little bit cleaner, a little bit crisper, but I think it’s a massive win for us,” said Orlando head coach James O’Connor. “I think with games like that it’s really important that you go and you win the game.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 21-27, 2024

Oct 21, 2024

“The players deserve enormous credit for doing that, for going and getting the win.”

Zac MacMath made his debut, starting in place of Maxime Crépeau (rest) with the Whitecaps and had three saves, including stops in the 47th and 60th minutes.

Brian Rowe, who signed with Orlando City in the off-season after starting 10 games for Vancouver in 2018, had two saves in his second shutout of the season.

“I think overall, tactically our organization was good,” Vancouver coach Marc Dos Santos said. “We approached the game well, being a game that is our third one in eight days and a lot of traveling involved. … Overall, I can’t fault the players on their effort, on their mentality, on what they’ve given these eight days.”

The Associated Press