The magic continues for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2025. Not only are the Whitecaps leading both the MLS Western Conference and Supporters' Shield race through seven matchdays, but they’re also making waves internationally with a historic run in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Tristan Blackmon’s Last-Minute Heroics Seal Semifinal Spot
In a stunning finish on Wednesday night in Mexico City, Tristan Blackmon delivered a 93rd-minute equalizer to lift Vancouver past LIGA MX giants Pumas UNAM. The dramatic 2-2 draw (3-2 aggregate) sends the Whitecaps to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, where they’ll face Inter Miami CF in a highly anticipated clash.
“This is high up as a coach... definitely up there,” head coach Jesper Sørensen said post-match. “Getting to the semifinal stage in Concacaf is not something that comes along very often.”
Vancouver’s Giant-Slaying Run
The Whitecaps are building a legacy in this tournament. After defeating CF Monterrey in the Round of 16, they’ve now knocked out two LIGA MX powerhouses in back-to-back rounds—both on the road, both in the second leg, and both after not winning the first leg. That feat has only been achieved three times in MLS history, and the Whitecaps own two of those three wins—in 2025 alone.
“I think that we've done it twice, I think it's big,” said Sørensen. “...As a new coach in MLS, I think it's up to others to really talk about the difference between the Mexican and the MLS teams.”
Despite admitting the match didn’t go exactly as planned, Sørensen praised his team's grit and composure under pressure.
“The way the game ended… all of a sudden Pumas scored and we had to do something desperate. We did—and we scored. I was actually preparing for extra time,” he added.
Blackmon and Berhalter Deliver When It Matters Most
The Whitecaps’ goals came from Sebastian Berhalter, who opened the scoring with a spectacular strike, and Tristan Blackmon, whose stoppage-time finish stunned the home crowd and sealed Vancouver’s place in the final four.
Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami: A Semifinal Showdown Awaits
Next up is a semifinal showdown with Inter Miami CF, led by global superstar Lionel Messi. The Whitecaps will need another all-in performance as they aim to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final for the first time in club history.
Sørensen, who took over in January following Vanni Sartini’s departure, continues to guide Vancouver through a breakout year on multiple fronts.
“It’s amazing being part of something like this,” he said. “I’m happy for everybody—this club has worked hard for many years, and getting to this stage in Concacaf is not normal. We have to really celebrate and enjoy it.”
