Vancouver Whitecaps emphatically responded to their first defeat of the season midweek with a thumping 6-0 victory over Minnesota United.

The Whitecaps started the game in control of proceedings, pinning Minnesota back into their own area. This allowed Andres Cubas, who was sorely missed on Thursday, to do what he does best and win the ball back. His ball to Jeevan Badwal drew a rash challenge from Loons debutant Kyle Duncan inside the area, allowing Sebastian Berhalter to get the party started and slot home from 12 yards to hand the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead.

Vancouver clearly wanted to avenge their midweek performance, and they doubled their advantage after only 12 minutes. Berhalter clipped a ball in behind to Emmanuel Sabbi, who played it back for Brian White to tap home.

The rampage continued, as the Whitecaps just kept pouring forward. A long ball over the top picked out Badwal through on goal unmarked, but the 20-year-old’s effort ricocheted off the post and away to safety.

Berhalter once again was pulling the strings in midfield. His free-kick from a wide area put the Minnesota defence into a panic, and the ball deflected off Mathias Laborda over the line. 3-0...