Whitecaps put five past Earthquakes in MLS playoff victory

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Whitecaps put five past Earthquakes in MLS playoff victory image

The Vancouver Whitecaps are headed to the Western Conference semifinals after cruising to a 5-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, the first playoff victory in franchise history. 

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Fredy Montero got the Whitecaps on the board just after the half-hour mark with a header at the back post after a Kendall Waston flick. 

Cristian Techera doubled the lead after halftime with the goal of the night, a brilliant curling free kick into the top corner.

Waston ended any hope of a comeback for the Earthquakes with Vancouver's third goal in the 64th, tapping home after a scramble in front of goal following a Montero header. 

And Vancouver wasn't done.

Nicolas Mezquida tacked on two more goals, both first-time finishes, to leave no about which team deserved to advance. 

The win sets up a Cascadia clash between the Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference semifinals, with the other Cascadia side, the Portland Timbers, set to take on the winner of Thursday night's match between the Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City. 

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