Whitecaps looking to build on the momentum vs Montreal

The Vancouver Whitecaps return to BC Place for another home match, this time against CF Montréal. Under new head coach Jesper Sørensen, the Whitecaps have started the season on a high note, and they’ll be looking to build on that momentum against their long-standing Canadian rivals.

While Vancouver has been in good form, CF Montréal has struggled out of the gate, losing both of their opening matches to Atlanta United and Minnesota United. Last season, Montréal finished eighth in the Eastern Conference and made the MLS playoffs but fell in the wildcard round to Atlanta United on penalties.

Despite their poor start, Montréal isn’t considered an easy opponent. Their top attacking threat is Prince Owusu, who already has a goal and an assist this season after scoring nine times for Toronto FC in 2024. In goal, Jonathan Sirois leads the league with 10 saves, while rising center-back Fernando Álvarez adds defensive stability. Midfielder Fabian Herbers, a veteran with over 200 MLS appearances, was signed to provide experience in the middle of the park. Another player to watch is Nathan Salina, an underrated midfielder with strong technical ability and significant potential.

Tactically, Montréal has favored a three-at-the-back system, alternating between a 3-4-3 and a 3-5-2 setup. Head coach Laurent Courtois (46) has been in charge for 42 matches, with a record of 12-19-11.

On paper, this match favors Vancouver. However, here are a few reasons why Montréal could pull off a surprise result at BC Place.

Why Montréal Could Upset Vancouver

1. The Whitecaps’ Unpredictability

Being a Whitecaps supporter means expecting the unexpected. This team can look dominant one game and disjointed the next. While they’ve been consistent under Sørensen, history suggests that Vancouver has a tendency to fall short of expectations when momentum is on their side. One night they play like prime FC Barcelona, the other they play like the 2019 Whitecaps (tough times).

If the Whitecaps play at their best, they should win. But if they have an off night, Montréal has the quality to capitalize.

2. Fatigue and a Packed Schedule

Vancouver has been on a grueling schedule to start the season. Since February 20th, they’ve played five matches in 17 days—and this will be their sixth.

While Sørensen rotated the squad in their 1-1 draw against Monterrey, fatigue could still play a factor. Meanwhile, Montréal has only played two games this season and will come into this match much fresher.

Additionally, the Whitecaps have a huge match in Mexico against C.F. Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday. Sørensen may rotate some players again, which could affect Vancouver’s rhythm.

3. Key Injuries for Vancouver

The Whitecaps are missing several important players:

-Jayden Nelson (one of the team’s top performers so far)

-Sam Adekugbe (starting full-back)

-Edier Ocampo (another full-back option)

-Emmanuel Sabbi (yet to debut due to injury)

These absences leave a major gap at full-back, an important position in Sørensen’s system. Will we see Tate Johnson make his first start? Could Giuseppe Bovalina step in? Or will someone like Ali Ahmed or Tristan Blackmon shift into an unfamiliar role?

How Vancouver handles these injuries could be crucial in determining the outcome.

4. Finishing Woes

Vancouver played an excellent match against Monterrey midweek but failed to secure a win due to poor finishing.

Ryan Gauld had multiple great chances but couldn’t convert.

Brian White missed a point-blank opportunity after coming on as a sub.

It wasn’t until the 86th minute that Belal Halbouni finally found the net.

Despite controlling the game, Vancouver’s lack of clinical finishing cost them. If they create similar chances against Montréal, they must be more composed in front of goal to avoid another frustrating result.

Vancouver’s Strong Start and Home Field Advantage

The Whitecaps enter this match with a 3-1-1 record and a 2-0-1 home record. This start mirrors last season, when they were near the top of the league after six games. However, fatigue and inconsistency later caught up with them.

One area Vancouver must improve is their home form. Last season, their record at BC Place was 6-7-4, far from what’s expected at a supposed "fortress." This year, they’ve started strong at home, and keeping it that way will be vital for success.

To boost attendance, the Whitecaps held a special giveaway—fans who brought a Canadian flag to the Whitecaps FC Gastown store received a free ticket to the match.

A look at the historical battles

This is the 80th meeting between Vancouver and CF Montréal (previously the Montréal Impact).

All-time head-to-head: Montréal leads with 33 wins, Vancouver has 28 wins, and 18 matches have ended in draws.

MLS era: Vancouver holds a 9-7-2 advantage.

Last meeting: 1-1 draw in Montréal (goals from Brian White and Matías Cóccaro, now with Atlas F.C).

Last meeting at BC Place: Vancouver won 2-1 to secure their second consecutive Canadian Championship, with goals from Gauld and White.

The Whitecaps have clinched two Canadian Championships against Montreal in the final (2015 and 2023), while Montreal won a Canadian Championship final versus Vancouver in 2013.

Vancouver has won three of the last five meetings, and they’ll be looking to extend that dominance.

Prediction: Vancouver 3-1 Montréal

I expect a strong performance from Vancouver to propel them to their best-ever MLS start. If they control possession and finish their chances, they should win comfortably.

Vancouver currently leads MLS in several key stats:

Expected goals (6.13)

Passing percentage (91.3%)

Key passes (27)

Shots (38)

If they maintain these numbers and don’t let fatigue, injuries, or inconsistency derail them, they should come away with all three points.

This match is a great opportunity for Vancouver to continue their momentum and solidify themselves as early-season contenders. However, Montréal is dangerous, and if the Whitecaps aren’t sharp, they could be in for a tougher game than expected.

That said, with home-field advantage, a strong tactical identity under Sørensen, and a deep squad, Vancouver should be able to get the job done.