Cavalry FC’s Sergio Camargo took a shot on goal while Pumas UNAM’s Ricardo Galindo attempted to intercept during the first half of their opening-round match in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The game took place in Langford, B.C., on Thursday, February 6, 2025. (Photo: The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito)
A Thrilling Turnaround in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Cavalry FC pulled off an incredible 2-1 comeback against Mexico’s Pumas UNAM in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup opener on Thursday. Tobias Warschewski sealed the win with a stunning goal in the 80th minute, marking a historic night for the Canadian club.
The match, held at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C., was Cavalry’s first competitive outing since winning the Canadian Premier League (CPL) championship last November. Despite falling behind just before halftime, the team regrouped and delivered a determined second-half performance to claim victory.
Warschewski’s Moment of Magic
The decisive goal was a moment of brilliance. Ali Musse found Jay Herdman inside Pumas’ penalty area, who then flicked the ball to Warschewski. The German forward skilfully maneuvered past a defender before slotting the ball past Pumas’ goalkeeper Alex Padilla. A lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal, igniting celebrations among the Cavalry squad and fans.
Warschewski, who led the CPL in scoring last season, admitted he barely remembered the moment. “Sometimes I just black out. I touched it, finished it, and honestly, I don’t know how,” he said after the match.
Cavalry’s Fighting Spirit
Cavalry showed resilience after conceding late in the first half. Pumas took the lead in the 44th minute through Santiago Lopez, a Canadian-Mexican forward making his mark in Mexico’s top league. However, Charlie Trafford equalized for Cavalry in the 57th minute, rising above the Pumas defense to connect with an Ali Musse corner kick.
The victory was historic, marking the first time a CPL team has defeated a top-tier Mexican club. Trafford’s goal was also Cavalry’s first-ever against a Liga MX opponent, making the night even more special.
Challenging Conditions and Fierce Competition
Originally moved to Starlight Stadium to avoid Alberta’s harsh winter, the match still faced icy conditions. Snowbanks surrounded the field, and temperatures hovered near freezing. Players struggled on the artificial turf, with some slipping throughout the game.
Pumas dominated possession in the first half, controlling 61% of the ball and outshooting Cavalry 4-2. However, Cavalry’s defence held firm, frustrating the visitors and capitalizing on their own opportunities.
Pumas defender Ricardo Galindo set the tone early, earning a yellow card within the first minute for a rough tackle on Warschewski.
Looking Ahead
Despite the win, the battle isn’t over. The second leg takes place on February 13 in Mexico City, where Pumas will look to overturn the deficit. The series winner will advance to the Round of 16 to face Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
Pumas, three-time Champions Cup winners, are seasoned competitors on the international stage. Currently, sitting seventh in the Liga MX Clausura standings, they will be eager to bounce back.
Meanwhile, Cavalry is riding high on their historic victory but must be at their best to secure a place in the next round.
