A late goal from Mikael Cantave saw VFC edge a 3-2 victory over the English side at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops.

Midfielder Vasco Fry captained the side starting alongside Niko Giantsopoulos, Joey Buchanan, Matteo Campagna, David Norman, Anthony White, TJ Tahid, Thomas Powell, Kembo Kibato, Sebastian Dzikowski, and Jose Navarro.

A back-and-forth match saw VFC midfielder Kembo Kibato open the scoring in the seventh minute after Joey Buchanan’s run down the right hand side created an opportunity to pounce on a loose ball inside the box. The Eagles continued a strong start to the match, creating numerous opportunities but failing to add anymore goals in the first half.

Fulham FC U21’s found an equalizer in the 22nd minute from a wide set piece, as Tom Olyott’s shot snuck through the wall beating Niko Giantsopoulos at the near post. Fulham would capitalize again just before halftime and end the first 45 minutes up a goal, as Tom Olyott would score his second of the match from inside the six-yard box.

VFC made several substitutions in the second half bringing on Elage Bah, Allan Enyou, Tyler Crawford, Gabriel Bitar, Mikael Cantave, Zach Verhoven, and Moses Dyer.

VFC goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos would make an excellent save from close range at the back post in the opening minutes on the second half to keep The Eagles in the match. It was a crucial stop from Giantsopoulos, as it set the tone for a resolute defensive performance from the rest of the backline in the second half.

Some excellent link-up play between Moses Dyer and Mikael Cantave in the 77th minute put the Haitian attacker through on goal, forcing the Fulham goalkeeper to make a good save. A tireless supporting run from VFC fullback Tyler Crawford was rewarded with an opportunity to pounce on the rebound, and Crawford scored his first goal for the club, tying the match 2-2 in the process.

The Eagles pushed in the final stages for a winning goal and their efforts would be rewarded. As Elage Bah picked up a ball on the right flank he looked up and put a pin-point cross in the path of Mikael Cantave inside the six-yard box. Cantave’s light touch on the ball was enough to beat the Fulham FC goalkeeper giving VFC the 3-2 lead in the 82nd minute.

With the final whistle sounding VFC clinched a win in their Inaugural Kamloops International Cup fixture against Fulham FC U21 and were greeted by enthusiastic fans as both teams stayed to sign autographs post-game.

Fans looking to watch back the friendly between Vancouver FC U23’s and Fulham FC U21’s can do so on the Kamloops International Cup Youtube account here.

Join the Eagles at our next match on Sunday, August 11th when VFC hosts Pacific FC and look to make it five derby victories in a row against the Islanders. Tickets to VFC’s Derby match against Pacific FC can be purchased online here.