Vancouver Whitecaps defender David Edgar (pictured) speaks to the media after a Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League game at Central FC on August 6, 2016, in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago. (Photo: Caribbean Action Images)

 

COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago -- With very little separating Central FC and the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps in their 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League opener on Tuesday, the game boiled down to the simplest of explanations. 

Vancouver converted when presented with the opportunity in a 1-0 Group C win and the host did not.

“I think we took our chance when it came,” Vancouver’s Canada international defender David Edgar said. “I thought we defended quite well. We restricted them to shots outside the box. We could have been tidier in our play, but we had some young boys playing today and I thought overall it was a good performance.”

For Edgar, who was signed on July 11 after spending the last 10 years in England -- most recently with League One side Sheffield United -- it was the perfect result.

“To keep a clean sheet and nick a one-nil win away from home in difficult conditions against a decent side, we’re happy and we’ll get back and regroup with the second leg to come,” added the 29-year-old.

Cristian Techera’s deflected goal off a cross from Erik Hurtado in the 34th minute proved to be the difference. Central FC had five shots on frame, but couldn’t put one past goalkeeper Spencer Richey.

“I’d say they took their chance…they took their half chance actually,” Central FC captain Leston Paul said. “We had a couple good chances and we didn’t capitalize on it, but we have to score to win.”

Central FC next hosts Sporting Kansas City on August 16, in a critical match, especially since the Sharks’ final two group games will be on the road.

“We have to look at the next game now,” commented Paul. “We have Sporting Kansas [City] in two weeks so we go back to training and try to correct these small mistakes and come out and hope for a better result.”

Vancouver returns to league play at the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night and will next meet MLS Western Conference foe Sporting Kansas City in the SCCL on August 23 at BC Place.

“We want to win every game we’re in,” Edgar finished. “[The SCCL] gives boys who maybe aren’t playing in the first team a chance to get some minutes and play. It’s a fantastic competition to be in so we want to go as far as we can.”