TORREÓN — The Vancouver Whitecaps stunned CF Monterrey on March 12, 2025, by securing their place in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, drawing 2-2 at the Estadio TSM. Despite Monterrey's strong home advantage and support from 10,000 fans, the Canadian club advanced on away goals after finishing the two-legged series with an aggregate score of 3-3.
The match began with Monterrey quickly taking the lead. Just five minutes in, Sergio Canales drew first blood for the Rayados, firing the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0 (2-1 aggregate). This early strike set the tone for what seemed to be Monterrey's game as they pushed to secure their advancement.
Monterrey's confidence, at least momentarily, appeared justified, but the tides would shift dramatically during the second half. Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo found the equalizer, scoring at the 56th minute and leveling the match at 1-1 (2-2 aggregate). Then, just 20 minutes later, Brian White capitalized on Monterrey's defensive misstep, giving Vancouver the lead with his goal, which made the aggregate score 2-3 against Monterrey.
Facing elimination, the desperation mounted for Monterrey, and they pushed forward with increased urgency. Their efforts culminated late in the match. The Rayados were granted a lifeline when, after lengthy VAR deliberation, they were awarded a penalty kick for handball. Team captain Sergio Ramos, who joined the team to much fanfare, stepped up and did not falter, converting the penalty kick during the seventh minute of stoppage time to equalize the match at 2-2, securing the aggregate score at 3-3.
Despite the late goal, Monterrey’s exit from the tournament raised serious questions about the future of head coach Martín Demichelis. Under his leadership, the team boasts one of the highest payrolls in Liga MX and was expected to perform at higher levels. This loss marks the first major setback for Demichelis since leading Monterrey to the Apertura final last season.
“It’s painful for us to be eliminated like this,” Ramos shared after the match. “We gave it our all, but it wasn't enough. We must learn from this and come back stronger.”
The Whitecaps celebrated their historic victory, marking their advancement as the first Canadian team to successfully progress from the knockout rounds of the CONCACAF Champions Cup when playing as visitors. This achievement was not only significant for the club but also for Canadian soccer at large, breaking through a barrier after 11 attempts by past Canadian teams.
Their next challenge awaits them as the Whitecaps prepare to face the winner of the upcoming match between Costa Rica’s Alajuelense and Pumas. “We’re ready for whoever it is,” Ocampo declared confidently post-match. “We’ve proven we can compete with the best.”
For the Rayados, the unexpected defeat raises concerns about their ability to contend for titles with such high expectations and pressures. Despite having home-ground advantage and overwhelming support from fans, the inconsistency was evident, particularly noted during the 78th minute when Monterrey once again failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Germán Berterame nearly restored the lead for Monterrey with his shot hitting the crossbar just minutes earlier.
The historic encounter showcased how competitive soccer continues to evolve, with teams like the Whitecaps making tremendous strides against bigger clubs. Their performance serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tournament play, where every moment counts and past accolades do not guarantee future success.
Overall, the match revealed vulnerabilities for Monterrey under Demichelis and showcased the resilience and ability of Vancouver to rise under pressure, setting the stage for what promises to be exhilarating quarterfinals.