VANCOUVER, BC – The quest continues.
In the midst of leading the overall MLS Supporters Shield standings, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to continue their run in the Concacaf Champions Cup when they travel to Mexico for the decisive second leg of their quarterfinal versus Pumas UNAM.
The first leg finished 1-1 at BC Place, meaning that the 'Caps need to score, but the away goals rule is in effect. 0-0 would see Pumas advance, another 1-1 result would send the match to extra time (and a shootout if necessary), while any draw of 2-2 or higher or a victory for the 'Caps would move them onto the semifinals against either LAFC or Inter Miami CF.
EYES ON HISTORY: Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue their busy stretch with game four of five in 15 days with their decisive Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal second leg against Pumas UNAM on Wednesday. Similar to their first leg encounter with CF Monterrey, the 'Caps carry a 1-1 scoreline heading into the clash in Mexico City, meaning a win or a draw equal to two or more goals would see Vancouver progress to the semifinals of the tournament for the first time since 2017. The winner of Wednesday's match will face either Los Angeles FC or Inter Miami CF.
TOP OF THE LEAGUE: With their dominant 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids at the weekend, the 'Caps lead the Supporters' Shield standings with 16 points (5W-1L-1D), marking their best seven-game start to an MLS regular season in their history. The win saw Yohei Takaoka record his fourth clean sheet in MLS play this season, which is tied for the league lead, and Emmanuel Sabbi score his first goal for the club. Sabbi became the 12th different goalscorer to find the back of the net for the 'Caps this year, showcasing the team effort on display from Jesper Sørensen's side. Brian White also scored in the win, as he's now five goals away from equaling Carl Valentine for fourth all-time in goals scored and further extended his club-record for game-winning goals in MLS regular season play with 16.
SHUT DOWN VERDE: Following their mid-week Concacaf Champions Cup match-up, the 'Caps will return to BC Place for another key Western Conference showdown against fourth-placed Austin FC in the club's Women and Girls in Sport Match. Austin are riding a four-match unbeaten streak in the league but have only scored five goals through their first seven matches, which is the second-lowest mark in the West. Dating back to 2021, the Blue and White have posted a 5W-1L-2D record against the Verde and Black, with three of those wins coming at BC Place.
