Cavalry FC made history on Thursday night at Starlight Stadium, becoming the first Canadian Premier League club to win a match in the Concacaf Champions Cup, stunning Liga MX side Pumas UNAM 2-1 in the first leg of their round one matchup. Tobias Warschewski, on his 27th birthday no less, was the hero for Cavalry with a stunning matchwinner in the 80th minute sure to go viral across the footballing world. Charlie Trafford also scored for Cavalry, and Canadian youth international Santiago López scored his first professional goal during his first start for Pumas.
With neither Fraser Aird nor Diego Gutiérrez fully fit, and the departure of Daan Klomp, Cavalry lined up differently compared to their performance in the 2024 CPL final. Eryk Kobza filled the centre-back role, Trafford moved to midfield, and winger Nicholas Wähling surprisingly started at right-back. Pumas, meanwhile, made nine changes from their latest Liga MX match against Atlético San Luis.
The tone for the match was established from the opening minute as Ricardo Galindo slid late on Warschewski, earning him the match's first yellow card. Trafford responded moments later with another foul, conceding Pumas a dangerous free-kick just outside the box. Despite these early challenges, Cavalry appeared content to cede possession and instead looked to create quick counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s front four of Warschewski, Ali Musse, Jay Herdman, and Sergio Camargo were dynamic and explosive, pressing the Pumas whenever they regained the ball.
Pumas had several dangerous moments with set pieces around the half-hour mark, but it was Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci who shone as he made solid saves, including one from the rebound. Cavalry responded to the pressure with good transitional play, creating opportunities, particularly down the left flank for Herdman.
Unfortunately for Cavalry, they conceded first just before halftime. A shot from Piero Quispe was parried away by Carducci, but it fell perfectly for López, who capitalized with ease, sending Pumas up 1-0. It was disheartening for Cavalry, who had executed their game plan well during the first half, but they were left with their heads down as they moved to the locker room.
Coach Wheeldon Jr. rallied his troops as they returned for the second half, and the Cavs aimed to get back on the front foot. Early attempts to equalize faced setbacks with one notable shot soaring over the goal before their efforts bore fruit at the 57th minute. A beautifully curled corner from Musse found Trafford, who volleyed home the equalizer.
Fueled by this equalizer, Cavalry turned aggressive, pushing forward to search for the lead. Their persistence paid off with ten minutes to spare when Warschewski executed his stunning volley after deftly controlling Herdman's header.
The team held their composure during the seven minutes of added time forced by the fourth official, fighting hard to hold onto their lead against the experienced side of Pumas. This win has enabled Cavalry to head south to Mexico City with the confidence of having one goal advantage, though López’s earlier strike may haunt them as away goals remain in effect for the second leg.
The second leg will be played on February 13 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, and Cavalry is representing the entire Canadian Premier League on this significant stage.
Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Cavalry’s coach, emphasized the importance of mental and tactical readiness leading up to this encounter. "We've got to be mentally prepared. We've got to be tactically prepared," he stated, noting his players were up to the challenge against one of Mexico's strongest teams.
This historic victory also marks Cavalry FC's first capability to clinch their place against formidable Liga MX clubs, demonstrating the evolution and strength of the Canadian Premier League on the international stage. After last year’s disappointing exit against MLS’s Orlando City, the team learned valuable lessons and utilized them to secure this decisive win against Pumas.
Fans can look forward to the return match, where Cavalry will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and aim to advance to the next rounds of this prestigious cup competition.