The Vancouver Whitecaps secured their second Canadian Championship title in club history with a 1-0 victory over CF Montreal on September 22, 2021. The winning goal was scored by Scottish midfielder Ryan Gauld in the 89th minute of the match.
The Canadian Championship is a tournament that features professional soccer teams from across Canada, including those from Major League Soccer (MLS), the Canadian Premier League (CPL), and the United Soccer League (USL). The tournament is held annually and serves as Canada’s national soccer championship.
The Whitecaps had previously won the Canadian Championship in 2015, and their victory this year marks their first major trophy since joining MLS in 2011. The team’s road to the final included victories over Pacific FC, Cavalry FC, and Toronto FC.
The final match against CF Montreal was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the game. However, it was Gauld’s late strike that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Gauld, who joined the Whitecaps in July 2021, has quickly become a fan favorite at BC Place. The 25-year-old midfielder has scored three goals in his first eight appearances for the club and has been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
Following the match, Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos praised his team’s performance and highlighted the importance of winning the Canadian Championship.
“This is a big moment for our club and our fans,” said Dos Santos. “We’ve worked hard all season to get to this point, and I’m proud of the way our players stepped up tonight. Winning the Canadian Championship is a major achievement for us, and it’s something we’ll always remember.”
The Whitecaps’ victory in the Canadian Championship also earns them a spot in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, which is a tournament featuring top club teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Overall, the Whitecaps’ triumph in the Canadian Championship is a significant milestone for the club and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaching staff, and fans. The team will now look to build on this success as they continue their push for a playoff spot in MLS.