Ali Ahmed from Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada battles for possession with Monterrey’s Stefan Medina during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match at Corona Stadium in Torreón, Mexico, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jesus Gonzalez)
The Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off a stunning result, securing a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against CF Monterrey on Wednesday. Playing in a tough Mexican stadium against a star-studded squad featuring Sergio Ramos, the Whitecaps showed resilience and determination to advance on away goals.
A Gritty Battle in Monterrey
The two-leg series ended in a 3-3 aggregate tie, but Vancouver’s two away goals gave them the edge. This victory made them only the second Major League Soccer (MLS) team since 2008 to eliminate a LIGA MX club from the tournament.
Vancouver had drawn 1-1 at home on March 5, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in Mexico. Despite an early setback, with Monterrey’s Sergio Canales scoring in the fourth minute, the Whitecaps held their ground and struck back.
Whitecaps Answer Back
Pedro Vite provided the spark in the 57th minute, delivering a precise pass to Ecuadorian defender Ocampo, who fired a powerful shot past Monterrey’s goalkeeper to equalize. Just over 20 minutes later, Brian White, who came off the bench, seized his moment. In the 78th minute, he sent a clinical right-footed shot into the net, putting Vancouver ahead 2-1.
Monterrey pushed for a late equalizer, and in the seventh minute of injury time, they were awarded a penalty after a video review determined Ranko Veselinovic had handled the ball inside the box. Sergio Ramos stepped up, calmly converting the penalty to level the match at 2-2.
Overcoming Challenges
The Whitecaps secured the win despite missing key playmaker Ryan Gauld, who suffered a knee injury in their MLS victory over CF Montreal. Head coach Jesper Sorensen praised his squad’s depth and teamwork.
“We know we can play fast and control the game. We proved that in the second half,” Sorensen said. “I’m proud of how we executed under pressure.”
Goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s camaraderie. “We trust our depth. Young players are stepping up, and that’s crucial in a packed schedule.”
What’s Next?
With this victory, Vancouver extends their unbeaten streak across all competitions to six games (4-0-2). They now turn their focus to their upcoming MLS match against FC Dallas on Saturday.
In the Champions Cup quarterfinals, the Whitecaps will face either LIGA MX’s Pumas UNAM or Costa Rica’s LD Alajuelense. Boehmer made it clear that Vancouver is ready for any challenge.
“No matter where we go, we’ll be prepared to get the job done.”
