Whitecaps Advance to Champions Cup Quarterfinals with Gritty Draw

Summary:

• Vancouver Whitecaps secured a 2-2 draw against CF Monterrey, advancing on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate.
• Despite missing captain Ryan Gauld, the team stepped up, with goals from Luis Ocampo and Brian White.
• Vancouver is now unbeaten in six matches and will face Pumas UNAM or LD Alajuelense in the next round.

The Vancouver Whitecaps who got a dramatic draw in the first leg, went against all odds on Wednesday when they secured a much-needed 2-2 draw against CF Monterrey in a high-stakes match at Estadio BBVA. 

With the result, Vancouver advanced to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate score.

Facing a star-studded Monterrey squad led by Spanish legend Sergio Ramos, the Whitecaps embraced the challenge. 

Isaac Boehmer: “We Can Tango With Them”

Goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer said

I think that’s what we showed tonight, that we were up for the challenge and that we can tango with them here

The victory turned Vancouver into the second MLS club since 2008 to eliminate a LIGA MX team from the tournament, following Columbus Crew’s win over Tigres in 2024. 

Striker Brian White, who netted the go-ahead goal in the 78th minute, acknowledged the task’s difficulty. 

We knew it was going to be tough coming down to Mexico. A tough opponent, so credit to the boys for getting the result that we needed.

The Squad Delivered Strong Performance

The Whitecaps entered the match without captain Ryan Gauld, sidelined with a knee sprain. 

Despite the setback, they relied on squad depth to deliver a strong performance. Boehmer said

We have great depth on this team. Guys being out, we know some young guys can step up and do the job.

Monterrey struck first, with Sergio Canales finding the net in the fourth minute. Vancouver responded in the second half, as Pedro Vite set up wingback Luis Ocampo for his first goal as a Whitecap in the 57th minute.

White then put Vancouver ahead with a right-footed finish inside the box.

Monterrey nearly equalized in the 81st minute when Canales’ free kick led to a rebound off the crossbar. 

However, they eventually found their second goal in injury time when Ramos converted a penalty, leveling the score at 2-2.

Undefeated in the Last Six Matches 

Vancouver remains unbeaten in its last six matches (4-0-2) and will face either Pumas UNAM or LD Alajuelense in the quarterfinals. 

With momentum on their side, the Whitecaps are ready for the next challenge. Boehmer affirmed,

Wherever we’ve got to go, we just want to get the job done

Before their next Champions Cup test, the Whitecaps aim for a fourth straight MLS win when they visit FC Dallas on Saturday. “It’s been fun,” White said. “It’s a lot of games, but we’re getting good results and performing well.”