VANCOUVER, Canada – Vancouver Whitecaps FC earned a 2-nil win against Deportivo Saprissa in the second leg of their Round One series, winning 3-2 on aggregate, as the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup continued Thursday at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Following a Saprissa 2-1 comeback win in the first leg last week, the Whitecaps delivered a comeback effort of their own to win the series.
Ali Ahmed had a dangerous opportunity for the hosts in the 13’, but his attempt inside the box was met by a save from Saprissa goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.
Ahmed had another chance to open the scoring in the 34’, with a right-footed shot inside the penalty area that went just wide of the mark.
Brian White found the breakthrough goal for Vancouver in the 46’ to take the lead in the series, scoring with a header inside the box to capitalize on a cross from Jayden Nelson.
The visitors came close to finding the equalizer to reclaim the lead, but Saprissa struck the woodwork twice with attempts from Gerson Torres and Kendall Waston in the 77’ and 85’, respectively.
White struck again in the 90’+1 to earn his brace and seal the comeback on aggregate.
With the victory, Vancouver Whitecaps FC won the series and advanced to the Round of 16. The Canadian MLS side will face Liga MX club and five-time Concacaf Champions Cup winners C.F. Monterrey in the Round of 16.
