Whitecaps captain and centre back Kendall Waston felt compelled to reach out to fans in advance of the team’s playoff game. Here is his message:

I didn’t know what to do.

I had just scored the biggest goal of my life. The goal that helped Costa Rica qualify for the 2018 World Cup. I wanted to run. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry.

I was just full of happiness.

It was a magical moment that I will never forget. People have been saying I’m a hero in Costa Rica now. I don’t know about that. I’m just happy to have helped make history for my country.