The Vancouver Whitecaps secured three points in their Major League Soccer (MLS) home opener against MLS Cup defending champions LA Galaxy at BC Place Sunday.
Goals by Sam Adekugbe and Brian White ensured the Whitecaps maintain a perfect start to the new league season after two matches.
“I would say that the team has looked great,” said Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen after the match. “They’ve done well in pre-season. Everybody has chipped in and been ready for the new ideas I brought in.
“I can only be happy with what I’ve seen so far and hope it’s only the beginning.”
Perfect, fast start for Whitecaps
Sam Adekugbe gave the Whitecaps an early lead, scoring his second goal of the season after Pedro Vite’s cross rebounded directly onto his foot in only the second minute
Unfortunately, the Canadian international defender’s game ended prematurely as he was substituted in the 32nd minute after sustaining a leg injury.
Adekugbe was visibly upset after leaving the pitch. But his manager was hoping the injury wasn’t too serious.
Vancouver Whitecaps Sam Adekugbe reacts to an injury versus LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer action in Vancouver Sunday, March 2, 2025. Photo: Salman Bhanji/Total Soccer News
“It was a quad injury,” said Whitecaps coach Sorensen. “I don’t know how bad it is. We don’t know that yet. I think it was a good sign he wanted to try and give it a go.”
LA Galaxy found an equalizer soon after. Gabriel Pec found the bottom left corner of Caps keeper Yohei Takaoka’s goal in the 37th minute. The match went into halftime 1-1.
Whitecaps find late winner
The Whitecaps responded well in the second half, continuing to trouble the Galaxy defense with intelligent runs and with a high press – leading to multiple turnovers.
LA Galaxy struggled to adapt to the Whitecaps pressure, but the visitors defense managed to stand strong for most of the second half.
But the Whitecaps eventually broke through late on. Brian White scored an 87th minute header past Galaxy keeper Novak Mićović, providing a lead the home side would not relinquish.
- Photo gallery: Whitecaps defeat LA Galaxy 2-1
- Story: Canadian keeper Emil Gazdov moves to CF Montréal from Pacific FC in record-setting deal
The Whitecaps sit second in the MLS Western Conference on goal difference, tied on points with San Jose and LAFC.
Vancouver’s club next face Mexico’s Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup Wednesday. And the Whitecaps host fellow Canadian side CF Montreal in MLS action Saturday.
– with files from Stuart Gradon
