Vancouver Whitecaps' Matias Laba, left, is upended by Sporting Kansas City's Benny Feilhaber during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - Cristian Techera and Tim Parker scored to help the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Sporting Kansas City 2-0 on Saturday night.
Vancouver (5-5-1) opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Techera, the Uruguayan nicknamed "The Bug," smashed a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Tim Melia for his third goal of the season.
Sporting (6-3-4) had a chance in the 20th minute when Gerso Fernandes found himself all alone in front of goalkeeper David Ousted, but rolled the ball wide of the post.
Vancouver had an opportunity to double its lead in the 53rd minute after Kansas City defender Seth Sinovic fouled Fredy Montero in the Sporting penalty area, but Melia stopped the striker's spot kick and follow-up.
Parker scored in the 67th minute.
Vancouver Whitecaps' Christian Bolanos stands in the back of the net after being stopped by Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia, back right, during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia, right, stops Vancouver Whitecaps' Fredy Montero, left, and Christian Bolanos on the rebound after making the initial save on a penalty kick during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Vancouver Whitecaps' Tim Parker, far right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Sporting Kansas City during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Vancouver Whitecaps' Jordan Harvey, front, and Sporting Kansas City's Graham Zusi vie for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City's Roger Espinoza, left, and Vancouver Whitecaps' Cristian Techera collide during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Sporting Kansas City's Gerso Fernandes is silhouetted as he traps the ball with his chest during the first half of an MLS soccer game against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Vancouver Whitecaps' Jordan Harvey, left, and Sporting Kansas City's Roger Espinoza vie for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
Vancouver Whitecaps' Kendall Waston, right, slides to take the ball away from Sporting Kansas City's Latif Blessing during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday May 20, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press