This fall, the Vancouver Whitecaps have a chance to join a rarefied group in Canadian soccer by potentially winning the Voyageurs Cup for the third consecutive year. So far, only one team, Toronto FC, has managed to secure this prestigious trophy three years in a row. However, the Whitecaps are on track to match this feat after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Pacific FC on Tuesday, securing their spot in the Canadian Championship final.
The Whitecaps have been on a strong run, having also won 1-0 in the first leg of the two-game aggregate semifinal on July 10. Tuesday’s victory was secured early on when Whitecaps’ captain, Ryan Gauld, scored in the 11th minute after capitalizing on a rebounded shot from striker Brian White. This goal marked Gauld’s 11th of the season and placed him at the top of the Whitecaps' all-time Canadian Championship goal scorers list with five goals.
Despite the early setback, Pacific FC showed resilience, particularly in the second half. Pacific’s coach, James Merriman, acknowledged the challenge of coming back from the early goal, stating that although the team displayed quality performances, the first goal was a major blow to their efforts.
The Whitecaps’ defense, led by goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer, held strong throughout the match. Boehmer made several crucial saves, including a key stop in the 68th minute to preserve the clean sheet. Pacific’s Dario Zanatta came close on a couple of occasions, but Boehmer's focused performance ensured that Vancouver maintained their lead.
The Whitecaps had an opportunity to double their lead late in the game when Ryan Raposo’s shot was punched away by Pacific’s goalkeeper Emil Gazdov. Although Damir Kreilach’s follow-up header glanced off the post, Vancouver managed to secure their slim advantage until the final whistle.
The victory, however, was not without concern as Brian White suffered a head injury early in the game and was forced to leave the field. Head coach Vanni Sartini reported that White was “doing better” but would likely undergo concussion protocol.
Looking ahead, the Vancouver Whitecaps will face Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship final at BC Place on September 25, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Canada’s top soccer teams. The Whitecaps will aim to join Toronto FC as the only teams to have won the Voyageurs Cup three consecutive times, further cementing their legacy in Canadian soccer.
Next up, Pacific FC will resume their Canadian Premier League schedule on Friday against Forge FC, while the Whitecaps will return to Major League Soccer play with a visit to Austin FC on Saturday.
