Defender Kendall Waston (pictured) has appeared in five games during Vancouver Whitecaps FC's 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League campaign. (Photo: Mexsport)
MONTERREY, Mexico -- Kendall Waston realizes Vancouver Whitecaps FC is an underdog entering the first leg of its 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League semifinal against host Tigres on Tuesday.
The Costa Rica international defender, however, says the Canadian champion isn't about to roll over.
"We know in Mexico it’s going to be a tough game, but nothing is impossible," he commented.
Waston felt his teammates will be motivated after suffering a 3-2 loss Saturday at the San Jose Earthquakes. Vancouver enjoyed a two-goal lead, before goalkeeper David Ousted tripped United States international striker Chris Wondolowski on a breakaway outside the penalty area in the 23rd minute. Ousted was issued a red card, forcing the visitor to play the remaining 67 minutes a man down.
The Earthquakes went on to score three unanswered goals.
Head coach Carl Robinson figured that in Mexico he will learn a little more about his side, which eliminated the New York Red Bulls in the quarterfinals, 3-1 on aggregate.
“Every day I find out something about my guys,” said the 40-year-old, a former Wales international. “It’s easy in training sometimes. And then you judge it when there’s 35 or 40 thousand booing you and hissing every touch…now we see what we’re about.”
Not many MLS clubs have secured a SCCL win in Mexico, so a draw could be considered a major victory.
“For me, for the club, for every single player, we’re looking forward to a really good game and then to close in a big way,” said striker Fredy Montero, who has tallied seven SSCL career goals, six for the Seattle Sounders. “Hopefully we can have a good result there to give us a chance when we come back to BC Place.”
The second leg is set for Vancouver on Wednesday, April 5.