Whitecaps Secure Late Equalizer to Draw Monterrey in Champions Cup Opener

Summary:

• Belal Halbouni’s 86th-minute header salvaged a 1-1 draw for Vancouver in the first leg against Monterrey.
• Monterrey took an early lead through Roberto de la Rosa, while Vancouver created multiple chances but struggled to convert.
• The decisive second leg will take place in Mexico next Wednesday, with the Whitecaps looking to advance.

The Vancouver Whitecaps salvaged a 1-1 draw against CF Monterrey on Wednesday night, thanks to a dramatic late equalizer from Belal Halbouni in the Round 16 opening leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup matchup.

Whitecaps Contested Monterey’s Goal

Monterrey struck first in this soccer match in the 25th minute, with striker Roberto de la Rosa finishing a well-placed long ball from Erick Aguirre. 

De la Rosa was seen weaving through the defense before drilling a low shot that hit the far post and eventually entered the net. 

While the Whitecaps were quick to contest the goal, arguing for offside, the referee disagreed and allowed the goal to stand.

Vancouver answered by putting relentless pressure on their opponents, creating multiple scoring opportunities. 

Missed Oppportunites 

Captain Ryan Gauld led the attack, constantly challenging Monterrey’s defense while struggling to find the back of the net. 

In the first half, he set up Sebastian Berhalter with a clever pass, only for the chance to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from defender Antonio Leone. 

Gauld also saw a promising shot in the 36th minute sail over the crossbar and was later thwarted one-on-one by Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada.

The second half saw more missed opportunities for the Whitecaps. Gauld attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick in the 59th minute but sent it wide. 

Shortly after, substitute Brian White forced another save from Andrada. Defender Ali Ahmed also nearly capitalized on a loose ball in the box, but Andrada was quick to smother it.

As the clock wound down, tensions flared. The match saw seven yellow cards, four issued to Monterrey. In the closing moments, Monterrey’s Andrada fell to the ground after a confrontation with White, drawing boos from the 9,613 fans at BC Place.

Then, in the 86th minute, Halbouni delivered the breakthrough. Rising to meet Gauld’s long ball, he powered a header into the net for his first Whitecaps goal, celebrating the moment by kissing the turf.

The second leg of the series will take place next Wednesday in Mexico, where Vancouver will aim to complete the upset.

As the only Canadian team left in the competition after Forge FC and Cavalry FC all went out the in round one. The Whitecaps reached the round of 16 by edging out Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa 3-2 on aggregate, while Monterrey dominated Forge FC with a 5-0 aggregate victory.