MEXICO CITY — In a thrilling finish to their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final clash, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Pumas UNAM at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The result allowed Vancouver to advance to the semi-finals on away goals, with a 3-3 aggregate score across the two legs.
Tristan Blackmon emerged as the hero for the Whitecaps, scoring a stunning volley deep into stoppage time, solidifying his place in club lore. "The team worked hard tonight, and we put ourselves in position to score late," Blackmon said. "It was always not pretty, but we showed grit, and at the end of the day, we got the result that we wanted." This victory marks a significant achievement for the Whitecaps, who have now knocked out two Liga MX teams in the same Champions Cup knockout phase.
The stage was set after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at BC Place, with both teams eager to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Vancouver started strong, with Sebastian Berhalter netting the opening goal in the 33rd minute. Berhalter executed an impressive backheel shot from a Daniel Rios cross, leaving Pumas goalkeeper Álex Padilla with no chance.
However, Pumas responded quickly. Just four minutes later, Guillermo Martínez capitalized on a defensive lapse from Vancouver, scoring to level the match at 1-1. The tension continued to build as both sides battled for control in a match that saw numerous chances and defensive stands.
The home side appeared to have turned the tide in their favor when Ignacio Pussetto scored in the 88th minute, giving Pumas a 2-1 lead and putting Vancouver on the brink of elimination. But the Whitecaps were not done yet. With the clock winding down, they pressed forward, seeking the equalizer that would keep their hopes alive.
Edier Ocampo delivered a crucial cross into the penalty area, finding Blackmon, who smashed in the equalizer in the dying moments of the game. The goal sent the traveling Whitecaps supporters into a frenzy and secured their advancement on away goals.
Vancouver's head coach Jesper Sorensen praised his team's resilience. "You have this belief always that you can do something, and then it’s up to the players in the end if it can actually happen. And it did," he said. Sorensen acknowledged the challenges posed by the altitude in Mexico City and the impact it had on their performance, but he was thrilled with the outcome.
This victory propels the Whitecaps into the semi-finals, where they will face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who also advanced after a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Los Angeles FC earlier in the day. The first leg of the semi-finals is set for either April 23 or 24, with the return leg taking place in Florida between April 29 and May 1.
Vancouver's journey in this tournament is remarkable, especially considering their recent form in Major League Soccer (MLS). They currently lead the Supporters' Shield standings with 16 points, boasting a record of 5 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw after a strong start to the season. Their recent 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids showcased their offensive depth, with Brian White and Emmanuel Sabbi both finding the net.
As the Whitecaps prepare for their next challenge against Inter Miami, they will look to build on their momentum and continue their impressive run in both domestic and continental competitions. The team has shown remarkable growth this season, and their success against Liga MX opponents has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
In summary, the Vancouver Whitecaps have made a statement in this year's CONCACAF Champions Cup, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, they are poised to make a deep run in the tournament and further establish themselves as a force in North American soccer.
