Late Dájome goal rescues point for Vancouver against Minnesota

2020-09-13 Cristian Dájome 2.jpg

In what should prove to be Vancouver Whitecaps FC's final "home" match in Salt Lake City, the hoops managed to snatch a stoppage time equaliser with Minnesota United FC thanks to a controversial penalty decision awarded by referee Lukasz Szpala.

In the 92nd minute, Cristian Dájome appeared to come from behind to foul Ethan Finlay, as Dájome initiated contact by wrapping his left leg around Finlay's right leg, sending both tumbling to the ground in the box. Neither player had possession at the time, and Finlay did have position on Dájome.

However, Szpala immediately pointed to the spot, meaning that VAR (Video Assistant Referee) could only overturn it if it were clear and obvious, something that video replays leaned towards, but may not have reached quite that standard.

Sometimes these calls go your way, as they did tonight for Vancouver, and sometimes it doesn't. No matter how controversial the decision may have been, it rescued a point for Vancouver, who improved their record to three wins, six draws, and seven losses, with a minus nine goal differential, good enough for 21st place.

Dájome, who closed the scoring with virtually the last kick of the night, also opened it, as he was able to beat Minnesota Tyler Miller in the 36th minute.

Finlay, who "conceded" the penalty, levelled things in the final seconds of the first half, and Robin Lod gave Minnesota the lead in the 75th minute.