Vancouver Whitecaps etched their name deeper into Canadian soccer history when they beat local rivals Vancouver FC 4-2 in the first-ever ‘604 derby’ to claim the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship at BC Place Wednesday.
The win marked a remarkable four-peat for the Major League Soccer side and cemented star Thomas Muller’s legacy as the most-decorated German player in club football history.
The ‘Caps, in the process, also became the second-ever team in the tournament’s history to win four consecutive Voyageurs Cups – emulating fellow MLS side Toronto FC’s four consecutive title victories between 2009 and 2012.
“Yeah, it’s huge. Four in a row. This club has been taking massive steps…bringing in a player like Thomas [Muller]…. I’ve been part of all four and seeing these steps is exciting. There’s more to come and hopefully go for five next year,” said Ali Ahmed after the match.
Ali Ahmed was deservedly named the Canadian Championship MVP while teammate Jayden Nelson claimed the Best Young Canadian Player award.
Early onslaught sets the tone for Whitecaps
The Whitecaps opened the scoring almost immediately when Ahmed capitalized on Muller’s cross in the fourth minute, curling a composed finish into the far post to silence the Eagles.
Just five minutes later, Ahmed’s impact was further magnified when he was fouled in the box by Vancouver right back Kunle Dada-Luke, thereby allowing Muller to step up and convert a penalty. The feat helped the German notch his 300th career goal for club and country.
Within ten minutes, Vancouver found themselves chasing the game and under tremendous pressure – a testament to the Whitecaps’ relentless early intensity.
Despite Vancouver’s attempts to regroup, the MLS side dominated possession and continuously threatened on the flanks. They hit the woodwork three times in the first 25 minutes, which was more than enough to push the Eagles on the backfoot.
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) side did, however, give themselves hope in the 34th minute when Nicolas Mezquida empowered Thierno Bah to strike a stunning goal by slicing through the Whitecaps’ defense to halve the deficit.
But the respite was short-lived as two minutes later Ali Ahmed completed his brace by tapping in a Sebastian Berhalter cross to restore a two-goal cushion.
Gauld’s return seals victory in second-half drama
The second half offered fewer goals but remained tense. Vancouver FC managed to improve their defensive organization and were successful in frustrating the Whitecaps attack.
As the game entered its final quarter, Whitecaps skipper Ryan Gauld made his long-awaited return from injury, entering to a rapturous applause. And true to his form, the Scottish midfielder delivered moments later when he scored after a slick one-two with Nelson.
Vancouver managed to get a late consolation goal through former ‘Caps legend Mezquida in the 85th minute, but it wasn’t enough to force a change in outcome for the Eagles.
“It’s good to be back on the pitch. But it’s all about the boys and everything they’ve done over the past few months. They’ve been excellent all season,” said Gauld in the post-match interview. “And this is just one trophy. We want to go for the MLS Cup as well. But, yeah, it’s good to get that feeling with the boys tonight. We’ve got a team full of quality as well.”
It’s been a remarkable year for the ‘Caps, who have enjoyed an incredible season under new head coach Jesper Sorensen. Winning the Canadian Championship gives them a direct route back to the Concacaf Champions Cup where they ended as runners-up this time.
For Vancouver FC, the defeat marked the end of a Cinderella story. The CPL side became the first-ever team in league history to reach a Canadian Championship final.
They defied expectations at every stage and while they might have fallen just short of scripting history themselves, they can take pride in the fact that their performance offered a glimpse into the rising quality within the Canadian Premier League ranks.
