The Concacaf Champions Cup final will see Liga MX giants Cruz Azul face off against MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday night in Mexico, with both teams vying for the coveted regional trophy. This final marks the fourth consecutive year a Liga MX team has met an MLS opponent in the championship match. Historically, Mexican clubs have dominated this competition; the Seattle Sounders remain the only MLS club to have ever lifted the trophy. Despite not being widely considered favorites, the Whitecaps have an opportunity to make history and change that narrative.
Vancouver will be without midfielder Sebastian Berhalter due to suspension, and Ryan Gauld is sidelined with an injury. This places additional responsibility on Pedro Vite in the midfield. However, manager Jesper Sorensen has proven adept at preparing his team to compete effectively, regardless of player availability throughout the season.
Match Information and Odds
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Location: Estadio Olimpico Universitario — Mexico City, Mexico
- TV Channel: FS1
- Betting Odds: Cruz Azul -145; Draw +220; Vancouver Whitecaps +360
Historical Context
Remarkably, this final is the first time these two clubs have ever met, despite the increasing frequency of matches between MLS and Liga MX teams in tournaments like the Leagues Cup. The Whitecaps have already demonstrated their resilience on Mexican soil during this tournament, securing positive results against Pumas and Monterrey. This experience will boost their confidence, even when playing in an environment that has traditionally been difficult for MLS sides.
Likely Starting Lineups
Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier, Omar Campos, Jesus Orozco, Gonzalo Piovi, Willer Ditta, Jorge Sanchez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Erik Lira, Carlos Rodriguez, Angel Sepulveda, Mateusz Bogusz
Vancouver Whitecaps: Yohei Takaoka, Sam Adekugbe, Ranko Veselinovic, Tristan Blackmon, Mathias Laborda, Pedro Vite, Andres Cubas, J.S. Ngado, Ali Ahmed, Brian White, Jayden Nelson
Key Player: Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps)
American striker Brian White is a pivotal figure in the Vancouver attack, a role that becomes even more crucial in the absence of Sebastian Berhalter in midfield. White is enjoying an impressive season, having scored 15 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions. He is also a top contender for the Concacaf Champions Cup Golden Boot, with five goals scored in the tournament thus far.
Known for his strength and aerial ability, White is well-equipped to challenge the physical defenders he will face from Cruz Azul. His capacity to occupy opposition defenders and create space is vital for enabling his teammates to join the attack and generate scoring opportunities for Vancouver, even if he doesn`t directly get on the scoresheet.
Key Storyline: Can Vancouver Handle the Occasion?
The Whitecaps have successfully overcome every challenge presented to them en route to the final. Now, they enter uncharted territory, not only for the current squad but also for the City of Vancouver in the context of major sports championships. While the Whitecaps famously won the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1979, no Vancouver team has won a championship in any of the modern era`s top five major sports leagues.
Adding complexity to this historic pursuit, Vancouver must attempt it without several key players. Ryan Gauld has been sidelined for much of the tournament run, and Sebastian Berhalter, who stepped up during Gauld`s absence, is suspended for the final. Manager Jesper Sorensen will need to devise a game plan that compensates for these significant absences. Although the team has utilized rotation to maintain freshness, ensuring the players are not overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment will be essential when facing an experienced side like Cruz Azul.
Prediction
This match is anticipated to be a tight contest. Brian White`s performance could be key in neutralizing Cruz Azul`s attacking efforts, potentially pushing the game into extra time. While Cruz Azul might possess a deeper squad, Jesper Sorensen`s tactical approach could be the difference-maker for Vancouver. The Whitecaps are predicted to find the means to secure a narrow victory.
Predicted Score: Cruz Azul 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 2 (A.E.T)
