TORREON — The Vancouver Whitecaps topped CF Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 with an exhilarating 2-2 draw on March 12, 2025. This draw, played at Santos Laguna's Estadio Corona, allowed the Whitecaps to advance on away goals after the aggregate score of the two-legged series concluded at 3-3.
Facing Spanish superstar Sergio Ramos and his Monterrey teammates, the Whitecaps plunged straight to business. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of playing at such a hostile venue, they rose to the challenge, demonstrating their determination. "I think that's what we showed tonight, we were up for the challenge and we can tango with them here," said Vancouver goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer following the match.
The Whitecaps initially earned their spot by producing a 1-1 draw during the first leg at B.C. Place on March 5, 2025. With the aggregate score tied at 3-3, Vancouver advanced due to their superiority on away goals, having netted two against Monterrey's one. This performance also places Vancouver as only the second MLS team to defeat a LIGA MX side to progress this far, following the Columbus Crew's success against Tigres last year.
Striker Brian White entered the fray as a substitute, scoring the go-ahead goal for Vancouver with just 12 minutes remaining on the clock. "We knew it was going to be tough coming down to Mexico, so credit to the boys for getting the result we needed," White stated, reflecting on his side's composure and execution. Vancouver played without captain Ryan Gauld, sidelined due to a left knee capsule sprain suffered during their 2-0 victory over CF Montreal just days prior.
Monterrey took the lead early on, with Sergio Canales slotting the ball past Boehmer within the first four minutes. Displaying their attacking capabilities, the Whitecaps pushed back as the first half progressed, maintaining pressure and controlling possession as they sought to level the score.
Pedro Vite created the equalizer for Vancouver, setting up Ecuadorean wingback Ocampo, who blasted the ball past Monterrey’s goalkeeper Esteban Andrada at the 57th minute, marking Ocampo’s first goal as a Whitecap. This equalizer shifted the game’s momentum, and Vancouver continued to probe for the lead.
Re-entering the pitch, White made his impact felt almost immediately, scoring his fourth goal of the season with a neat right-foot shot from near the penalty spot at the 78th minute. "The ball just seemed to pop out to me, and I was able to turn and get the finish right," White expressed modestly after adding to the team's account.
Despite the Whitecaps’ efforts, Monterrey’s redoubled resolve came through when they were awarded a penalty kick just shy of the end, following a handball on Vancouver’s Ranko Veselinovic. Ramos, who did not travel to Vancouver for the first leg, coolly converted the penalty, netting his position and equalizing the score at 2-2 during injury time.
Head coach Jesper Sorensen lauded his players after the match. “The good thing is the players always play with the right intentions. The way we want to play, we always try to execute. Football is also about mistakes, but I think we are building confidence,” he commented.
The Whitecaps remain undefeated across their last six matches, achieving four wins and two draws—a promising record as they head toward their next MLS contest against FC Dallas on March 15, 2025. "I think it's been fun. Everyone's really enjoying it. Of course, it’s tough—we're faced with lots of games. But I think we have such a good group, and everyone’s really enjoying the grind and getting good results," White added.
With this memorable encounter behind them, Vancouver is set to face the winner of the matchup between fellow LIGA MX side Pumas UNAM or Costa Rica’s LD Alajuelense in the quarterfinals. When questioned about their next opponent, Boehmer stated simply, “Wherever we’ve got to go, we just want to get the job done.”