The Vancouver Whitecaps have kicked off their MLS campaign with a comfortable 4-1 home victory over the New York Red Bulls.

The hosts surged ahead at the BC Place Stadium in the 34th minute from the penalty spot.

Richard Eckersley was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the Red Bulls area, and Kenny Miller made no mistake from 12 yards out.

Sebastian Fernandez doubled the Whitecaps' lead four minutes into the second half when he fired past goalkeeper Luis Robles from outside the box.

Miller made it 3-0 13 minutes from time with his second goal of the match, shooting home from distance after latching on to Pedro Morales's through-ball.

Morales himself added his name on the scoresheet in the 89th minute, while in injury time Bradley Wright-Phillips grabbed a consolation for the visitors.