Vancouver Whitecaps closed out a 4-game home-stand against CF Montréal on March 8, 2025. With such an amazing start to the season for the Whitecaps, the crowd was full and ready to cheer on the home-team to another victory.
A Historic Start to the MLS Season
The Whitecaps were looking to win their third straight game in the MLS this season. If they did, this would mark history as the first time they have ever gone 3-0 to start an MLS season. Going in, the Whitecaps knew such an accomplishment would not be an easy feat, but the Whitecaps were up for it, beating the CF Montréal with a final score of 2-0.
Overcoming Adversity
Part of the challenge the Whitecaps faced going into this game was they were missing some key offensive players. Recently the Whitecaps have been facing a string of injuries losing key offensive players including Jayden Nelson and Sam Adekugbe.
A key player missing is Sam Adekugbe who in two MLS games played, has scored two goals, showing his offensive importance to the Whitecaps.
Another missing player was Jayden Nelson who did not play against Montréal due to hamstring tightness. During the MLS regular season, Nelson has started 2 games, accumulating 1 goal and 3 assists, making 4 points total. The Whitecaps hit the road and head coach Jesper Sørensen said this about Nelson, “He’ll definitely travel, then we’ll see.” While Nelson still may not play in Mexico, it is positive news that he will be travelling with the team.
Ryan Gauld Gets Hurt
At the 19’ minute of the game, watchers saw a medic come out to assist Ryan Gauld. At the 23’, the Whitecaps lost Gauld, as he was subbed out and left the game due to a knee injury. Despite the loss of two offensive power houses and their captain, the Whitecaps stepped up and took down Montréal.
After the game Sørensen was about Gauld’s injury he said, “[Gauld] was more positive after the game than he was in the break… If 45 minutes can do so much, I hope it will not be long.” With the positive outlook Sørensen has on the situation fans can hope Gauld will be playing again soon.
Laborda Strikes First
The matchup between the Whitecaps and Montréal is the only time two Canadian teams will face off in the MLS at BC Place this season, and both teams put on a show. The Montréal goalkeeper made 3 amazing saves close together in the first half to keep the game 0-0.
But the Whitecaps persisted and eventually at the 32’ Mathías Laborda striked first to get the Whitecaps up 1-0. This game-winning goal marked Laborda’s first at BC Place.
Tate Johnson Scores in MLS Debut
Tate Johnson made his MLS debut against Montréal and he wasted no time in scoring his first for the Whitecaps. The defender, who is just 19 years of age, streamed up the side of the field and was left open to get the Whitecaps up 2-0.
The assists on the goal went to Ali Ahmed and Pedro Vite. The assist on Johnson’s goal now puts Vite at 3 points (1G, 2A) in 3 MLS games this season.
Johnson is a young player trying to earn his way with the Whitecaps and when asked about his goal said, “It feels great. Definitely happy, doing it at home and more importantly getting the win.” It was amazing for Johnson to get a win and his first goal in his debut, and with a hard working mindset he has already shifted focus to the upcoming games.
Looking Ahead
The Whitecaps finished the home-stand off strong with a 2-0 victory against the FC Montréal and now hit the road for their next two games.
They next play in Mexico for the second leg of their CONCACAF Round of 16 against the C.F. Monterrey. After that they head to Dallas to take on FC Dallas for the fourth game of their MLS season. Next time you can watch your Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place is on March 22 against Chicago.
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