Kimito Nono’s 80th-minute equaliser seals 3-3 Vancouver draw

Vancouver Whitecaps drew 3-3 with DC United after Kimito Nono’s 80th-minute equaliser restored parity for the final time. The match was 2-1 to Vancouver at half-time, but DC United twice came from behind to secure a point.

Nono changes the ending

Nono opened the scoring for DC United in the 16th minute, assisted by Nathan Ordaz, to make it 0-1. Brian White levelled for Vancouver in the 25th minute, and Bruno Caicedo put the hosts ahead at 45’, with Thomas Müller providing the assist for 2-1.

Lucas Bartlett equalised for DC United in the 65th minute through Keisuke Kurokawa’s assist. Müller restored Vancouver’s lead in the 72nd minute, assisted by Aleksa Cvetkovic, but Nono struck again at 80’, with Hosei Kijima assisting, to produce the 3-3 final score. The late goal was the decisive change to the result: Vancouver could not hold its advantage, while DC United completed its second comeback of the match.

Possession favours Vancouver, shots favour DC

Vancouver had 63% possession and completed 469 accurate passes from 548 total, compared with DC United’s 222 accurate passes from 309. Yet DC United recorded 21 total shots to Vancouver’s 16 and led 17-12 in shots inside the box. Vancouver had the narrow edge in shots on goal, 9-8, while DC United’s goalkeeper made 6 saves and Vancouver’s made 4.

Standings context and standout performer

Going into the match, Vancouver were ranked #1 in the Western Conference with 50 points from 26 games, while DC United were ranked #11 in the Eastern Conference with 30 points from 26 games. Those positions belong to different tables and are not directly comparable. Nono was the standout performer, earning an 8.7 rating after scoring 2 goals and registering 3 shots on target. Kye Rowles received the only yellow card, at 23’, and there were no red cards.