Whitecaps Held to Scoreless Draw in Champions Cup Opener

Summary:

• The Vancouver Whitecaps clearly dominated the Cup Opener game against the Cartagines but could not score.
• Goalkeeper Kevin Briceño kept Cartaginés in the 0-0 tie.
• The second leg in Vancouver will decide who will move forward. 

The Vancouver Whitecaps began their 2026 season with plenty of control but no goals to show for it in the game against C.S. Cartaginés in the opening round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Thursday. 

Vancouver came away with a 0-0 draw, a frustrating result on paper that did not accurately reflect what happened on the field. 

77% Possession for Vancouver 

The Whitecaps held the ball for more than three quarters of the game, finishing with 76.5% possession. They also created more chances, outshooting Cartaginés 15-7 and putting five efforts on target. 

However, every time they came close, goalkeeper Kevin Briceño made sure to stop them.

Head coach Jesper Sorensen felt his team did enough to deserve a goal, especially early on.

We could have scored in the first half, especially, but also in the second. That’s how it works sometimes. And when we couldn’t score, I think it was good that we didn’t slip up any big chances and didn’t concede any goals. So I have to be satisfied with the result here.

Balanced Return Match

While Vancouver could not break through, they also stayed organized defensively and avoided giving the home side many opportunities. That leaves the two-legged series evenly balanced heading into the return match.

The Whitecaps entered this year’s tournament with unfinished business. Last season, they made an impressive run all the way to the final, only to lose heavily to Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul. That experience has raised expectations for what they can achieve this time around.

Now, the focus shifts to the second leg, which will be played in Vancouver on February 25. With home advantage and the tie still scoreless, the Whitecaps will have a strong chance to move forward.

Sorensen expects another tight contest but knows things can change quickly.

I expect maybe the second game to be a little bit alike (the first). But you never know. That’s why we play. If it’s too obvious, it also becomes too boring. So let’s see how it plays out.

Before that, Vancouver will turn its attention to its MLS opener at home against Real Salt Lake, marking the start of a busy and important stretch for the club.