VANCOUVER, BC – The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to take the field against CF Montreal this evening at BC Place, aiming to secure their third consecutive victory and solidify their place at the forefront of the Major League Soccer (MLS) standings. With the match scheduled for March 9, 2025, this all-Canadian clash presents contrasting fortunes, as the Whitecaps aim to maintain their unbeaten run, standing at 2-0-0, against Montreal’s dire situation, which sees them still searching for their first point of the season at 0-2-0.
Historically, the Whitecaps have found success against Montreal, winning eight of the last 17 encounters between the two teams. Currently, the Whitecaps are riding high on momentum after their strong displays, recently achieving valuable victories over both Portland and LA Galaxy. Coach Jesper Sørensen is optimistic about making history—if his team secures today's win, it will mark the first time any Whitecaps coach has started the MLS season with three consecutive victories.
While Vancouver boasts significant home-field advantage and confidence, their lineup will face challenges as they navigate injuries. Notably, defender Sam Adekugbe is sidelined due to a quad injury, Jayden Nelson misses out with a hamstring knock, and Emmanuel Sabbi is out with an ankle injury. Complicataions arise with Édier Ocampo being suspended for one match by the MLS disciplinary committee. Despite these setbacks, the Whitecaps adopt a next-man-up mentality, with Tate Johnson stepping up after making his debut as a halftime substitute against Monterrey during the CONCACAF Champions Cup just days ago.
“Yeah, I feel great,” Johnson remarked when discussing his debut,,” adding he is eager to show his skills on home turf. “Really excited to make my debut and get out there in front of the home crowd.” Coach Sørensen commented on his development, emphasizing Johnson’s adaptability and steady progress within the team, noting how “He has been training well... He's been very strong to begin with.” His teammate, Ali Ahmed, praised Johnson's performance as well, saying, “He’s been solid... Sometimes I forget it’s his first year with us.”
On the other hand, CF Montreal is grappling with the pressure of being bottom of the Eastern Conference. The team has failed to avert its recent slide, suffering two narrow defeats to open the season, particularly faltering defensively. They failed to score against both Minnesota United and Atlanta United, managing to earn only 0.24 expected goals (xG) across their first three games—a troubling statistic for any team striving for improvement.
Coach Laurent Courtois finds himself tasked with turning around the team’s fortunes quickly. “We're desperate to get our season on track,” he stated but must contend with his players struggling for cohesion and consistency on the pitch, complicated by injuries across his lineup.
Both coaches have highlighted the importance of today's match, making it clear how each team stands to benefit significantly—or suffer major setbacks. For Vancouver, consolidations of their recent form are key as they prepare not just for this match but also look toward their next fixtures, particularly the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions matchup.
The Whitecaps’ ability to leverage their home support and the dynamics of playing against their Canadian rivals will be pivotal. Meanwhile, integrity within the squad becomes imperative. With each passing match, Vancouver must not only strive for victory but also manage player fitness to maintain momentum throughout the season.
CF Montreal, meanwhile, is on the road, trying to break its four-match losing streak against Vancouver—a statistic they cannot afford to ignore, as they aim to find their rhythm and score goals, which have eluded them so far.
All eyes will be on the pitch tonight, and with the potential for Johnson to play more than just supporting role, fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating what could prove to be one of the most defining games of the early MLS season.
With space on the line for improved standings, this early-six-pointer brings additional weight at both ends of the spectrum. A victory for Vancouver could mean soaring confidence and established dominance, whereas Montreal finds itself desperate to kick off its season on the right foot.
Kickoff is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET broadcast via the MLS Season Pass through Apple TV, allowing fans to immerse themselves fully of this exciting all-Canadian showdown.