MARBELLA, SPAIN – Vancouver Whitecaps FC kicked off their 2025 preseason schedule with a friendly against Polish side Raków Częstochowa, falling 3-2 at the Banús Football Center on Friday afternoon.
Whitecaps FC started strong as captain Ryan Gauld nearly set-up the first goal but it was cleared for a corner in the 11th minute. One minute later, Vancouver opened the scoring thanks to their centre back partnership. Tristan Blackmon's long throw-in was headed in at the back post by Ranko Veselinović, giving the 'Caps the 1-0 lead.
Rakow would equalize in the 30th minute, but the 'Caps regained their lead just before the halftime interval. This time, it was Blackmon's turn, as he headed in a corner from Sebastian Berhalter to make it 2-1 at the break for the 'Caps.
The Blue and White made a full line change at the break. Second half saw Rakow score a pair of goals to claim the 3-2 victory.
Vancouver continue their 2025 preseason camp with another friendly on Wednesday, January 29 against Irish outfit St. Patrick’s Athletic FC. Kickoff is set for 5 a.m PT / 2 p.m. local time. The 'Caps then play FC LNZ Cherkasy of the Ukrainian Premier League on Sunday, February 2, with kickoff set for 5 a.m PT / 2 p.m. local time, and will wrap-up the camp against Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna on Thursday, February 6, with kickoff set for 6 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. local time.
MATCH DETAILS
Scoring Summary
12’ – VAN – Ranko Veselinović (Tristan Blackmon)
30’ – RCZ – Adriano Amorim (Jonatan Brunes)
42’ – VAN – Tristan Blackmon (Sebastian Berhalter)
54’ – RCZ – Ivi Lópex (Jonatan Brunes)
75’ – RCZ – Jonatan Brunes (Ibrahima Seck)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.Yohei Takaoka (32.Isaac Boehmer HT); 2.MathÃas Laborda (18.Édier Ocampo HT), 4.Ranko Veselinović (12.Belal Halbouni HT), 6.Tristan Blackmon (15.Bjørn Inge Utvik HT), 28.Tate Johnson (3.Sam Adekugbe HT); 26.J.C. Ngando (17.Stuart Armstrong HT), 13.Ralph Priso (20.Andrés Cubas HT), 16.Sebastian Berhalter (45.Pedro Vite HT); 22.Ali Ahmed (52.Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau HT), 55.Cyprian Kachwele (19.Damir Kreilach HT), 25.Ryan Gauld © (97.Liam Mackenzie 32', 27.Giuseppe Bovalina HT)
