Whitecaps assert dominance to get off to best MLS start in franchise history vs Montreal

The Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off another impressive MLS victory, this time against Canadian rivals CF Montreal. A crowd of 19,531 at BC Place was electrified by the performance as the Caps asserted their dominance. Nearly every key statistic favored Vancouver, who held strong and kept a clean sheet. While the defense was the true star of the match, both goals came from defenders—Mathias Laborda and Tate Johnson. This win propelled the Whitecaps to an unprecedented 3-0-0 start in MLS play.

Game Recap:

The Whitecaps took to the pitch with a clear objective—securing the best MLS start in their franchise’s history. For Montreal, the goal was simply to find some rhythm and finally get on the board in the league standings.

Vancouver started the game in control, as they often do under Sorensen. It’s clear that he demands excellence from his players, as well as strict adherence to his tactical philosophy. His approach emphasizes possession-based football, prioritizing control and composure on the ball.

However, in around the 22nd minute, Ryan Gauld went down with what appeared to be a serious injury. He was carefully helped off the pitch and substituted by J.C. Ngando. After the match, Sorensen confirmed that the injury is knee-related. Many teams would struggle to maintain focus after losing their captain, but the Whitecaps responded with renewed energy and momentum. Suddenly, there were spells of attacking play. White had a chance with a header and Laborda went for an audacious bicycle kick attempt. Then, in the 32nd minute, after a chaotic set piece which bounced around several times, the ball somehow fell to Laborda in front of the net, who calmly slotted it into the bottom left corner past Sirols.

Despite ending the half slightly flat, Vancouver entered the break with a 1-0 lead.

Following halftime team talks, both teams kicked off again, but it didn’t take long for Vancouver to double their advantage. Shortly after the restart, a nice build-up play from Vancouver and a gorgeous cross from Ali Ahmed—who had been dominating the right side—found Tate Johnson at the back post. The 19-year-old lofted the ball into the net, marking a dream debut start in MLS. His first-ever goal put the Whitecaps up 2-0.

Even with the two-goal cushion, Vancouver kept pushing for a third. Pedro Vite had a couple of well-placed strikes denied by Jonathan Sirols, while a strong run from Ngando was also stopped by the Montreal keeper. The Caps remained in control until Montreal, in desperation, began applying higher pressure.

Montreal started pressing aggressively and relied on long balls to their striker, Prince Owusu. Twice, these long passes created uncertainty between goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka and the Vancouver defense. One moment required a clutch sliding challenge from Veselinovic, while another saw Takaoka come out at the last second to head the ball to safety.

In the 83rd minute, Montreal had a golden opportunity, but Takaoka came up big, stopping Owusu at point-blank range with an impressive foot save. Then, in stoppage time, Montreal struck the crossbar, and Blackmon heroically cleared the ball away from danger. Takaoka immediately showed his appreciation, giving Blackmon a hug for preserving the clean sheet.

The final whistle blew, confirming a historic 3-0-0 start for Vancouver and extending Montreal’s struggles to three straight losses.

Whitecaps team Starting XI picture

Looking Ahead:

With their best-ever MLS start, the Whitecaps now sit atop the Western Conference. Their record stands at 3-0-0 in MLS play and 4-1-1 in all competitions. Their three victories have come against Portland, LA Galaxy, and now Montreal. What’s particularly impressive is that Vancouver has spread their goals across eight different players so far this season.

Here’s the current list of Whitecaps goalscorers:

White (3)

Adekugbe and Gauld (2)

Vite, Nelson, Laborda, Johnson, and Halbouni (1 each)

Due to a compact schedule and injuries, Sorensen has been forced to rotate the squad. This has given players like Halbouni and Johnson opportunities—and both have taken full advantage, scoring in front of the home crowd at BC Place.

Whitecaps supporters are beginning to believe in this team’s potential. Jesper Sorensen has left a strong impression on both fans and the club’s front office, implementing a very different approach from former head coach Vanni Sartini.

Defender Tristan Blackmon summed up the team’s mindset under Sorensen:

> “It’s been a good start. We’ve adapted to what the new coach wants, and everyone is feeling good about it. You can see the confidence on the field right now. We’re just going to try to get better each week.”

Many diehard fans have pointed out a major shift—under Sorensen, Vancouver dictates play rather than chasing the game. In previous seasons, the Whitecaps often scrambled to win the ball back. Gauld and White worked tirelessly to press and recover possession. Now, under Sorensen, the script has flipped. Vancouver enjoys controlled possession, forcing their opponents to work to regain the ball. This change in identity has been refreshing to watch.

Key Standouts:

While nearly the entire starting eleven played well, here are four players who stood out the most:

Mathias Laborda – An outstanding performance from the Uruguayan. Not only did he score the breakthrough goal, but his overall play was excellent. His passing was sharp, his defending was strong, and his overlapping runs provided an extra outlet for Ali Ahmed. His bicycle kick attempt was also a highlight-worthy moment.

Tate Johnson – The 19-year-old made his first MLS start in a high-pressure game against a Canadian rival, and he delivered. Filling in for Adekugbe, he looked composed, played smart passes, and even got himself into goal-scoring positions. His finish was unconventional, but his movement to find space was impressive. Defensively, he was just as solid—winning multiple aerial duels and making five headed clearances.

Tate Johnson celebrating his first Vancouver Whitecaps goal.

Yohei Takaoka – While Takaoka could have handled some crosses more confidently (his 5’11” stature makes it a challenge), his overall performance was excellent. His distribution was phenomenal, completing 24 of 29 passes (83%). Most importantly, his point-blank save on Owusu secured Vancouver’s victory. Without that stop, Montreal would have gained momentum, especially after hitting the crossbar in stoppage time. This was arguably Takaoka’s best performance of the season.

Tristan Blackmon – A rock at the back. Playing as a center-back, Blackmon made impressive runs into midfield and played a crucial role in building Vancouver’s attacks. Defensively, he did not put a foot wrong. He recorded seven passes into the final third, two interceptions, and eight clearances. His last-minute clearance in stoppage time ensured Vancouver’s clean sheet.

Beyond these standouts, several other players had notable performances. Ali Ahmed and Pedro Vite both played well, while Ngando made an impact after replacing Gauld.

Final Thoughts:

The Whitecaps delivered an excellent all-around performance, securing their best-ever MLS start (3-0-0) and first place in the Western Conference. However, their next challenge will be even tougher—a clash against Mexican giants C.F. Monterrey at Estadio BBVA. With their captain Gauld injured, this will be a true test of their abilities under Jesper Sorensen.