In the western MLS Final on Saturday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC celebrated a hard-fought victory against San Diego FC. The first goal for the home side was scored by Hirving Lozano in the 59th minute of the second half. Meanwhile, the visitors saw contributions from Brian White, who netted two goals (7’ 1T and 46’ 1T), and Pablo Sisniega, who unfortunately scored an own goal in the 11th minute of the first half.
Brian White electrified the crowd early in the game, finding the net in the 7th minute after a precise assist from Andrés Cubas, placing the ball into the bottom left corner—too fast for the goalkeeper to react.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC had a golden opportunity to extend their lead when Ryan Gauld hit the post in the 82nd minute, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
White was undoubtedly the star of the match, contributing significantly with two goals and two shots on target.
Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka also played a crucial role, making six vital saves to keep San Diego FC at bay.
San Diego FC’s head coach, Michael Anthony Varas, employed a 4-4-2 formation with Pablo Sisniega in goal; Ian Pilcher, Christopher McVey, Manu Duah, and Luca Bombino in defense; Onni Valakari, Jeppe Tverskov, Aníbal Godoy, and Anders Dreyer in midfield; and a forward duo of Corey Baird and Amahl Pellegrino.
On the other hand, Vancouver, led by coach Jesper Sorensen, opted for a 4-5-1 formation with Yohei Takaoka guarding the goal; Édier Ocampo, Mathías Laborda, Ralph Priso, and Tate Johnson in the backline; and a midfield consisting of Sebastian Berhalter, Andrés Cubas, Emmanuel Sabbi, Thomas Müller, and Ali Ahmed, with Brian White up front.
The referee overseeing the match was Joseph Dickerson.
With this decisive victory, Vancouver Whitecaps FC claimed the title in the MLS Finals.
Substitutions for San Diego FC
45’ 2T – Corey Baird went off for Hirving Lozano, Ian Pilcher replaced Franco Negri, and Aníbal Godoy made way for Luca de la Torre.
70’ 2T – Onni Valakari was replaced by Marcus Ingvartsen.
81’ 2T – Amahl Pellegrino was substituted for Duran Ferree.
Yellow Cards for San Diego FC:
26’ 1T Onni Valakari (Repeated fouls), 20’ 2T Manu Duah (Repeated fouls), and 30’ 2T Hirving Lozano (Unsporting behavior).
Red Card for San Diego FC:
33’ 2T Pablo Sisniega (Direct red).
Substitutions for Vancouver Whitecaps FC
61’ 2T – Thomas Müller was replaced by Ryan Gauld.
73’ 2T – Emmanuel Sabbi gave way to Kenji Cabrera.
87’ 2T – Andrés Cubas was substituted for Giuseppe Bovalina, Édier Ocampo for Jayden Nelson, and Ali Ahmed for Jeevan Badwal.
Yellow Cards for Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
4’ 1T Édier Ocampo (Repeated fouls) and 14’ 2T Andrés Cubas (Repeated fouls).