The title of Concacaf champions will be decided on Sunday night as Cruz Azul and the Vancouver Whitecaps face off in Mexico for the trophy. This is the fourth consecutive year this final features a Liga MX side against an MLS contender, a matchup historically dominated by Mexican teams. To date, the Seattle Sounders remain the only MLS club to have claimed the championship. However, the Whitecaps have an opportunity to alter this narrative, despite entering the final as unlikely candidates for the overall win.
Vancouver faces a challenge with Sebastian Berhalter suspended and Ryan Gauld sidelined due to injury, placing additional responsibility on midfielder Pedro Vite. Nevertheless, manager Jesper Sorensen`s approach has kept the team well-prepared to handle various situations throughout the season, regardless of player availability.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Olimpico Universitario, Mexico City, Mexico
- Odds: Cruz Azul -145; Draw +220; Vancouver Whitecaps +360
Recent History
This match marks the first encounter between Cruz Azul and the Vancouver Whitecaps in their history, even following the establishment of the Leagues Cup which frequently pairs MLS and Liga MX teams. Vancouver has demonstrated their ability to perform in Mexico during this tournament, having already secured results against Pumas and Monterrey. This should boost their confidence, even when playing in a location where MLS teams have traditionally struggled.
Predicted 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
Player to Watch
Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps: The American striker is central to Vancouver`s offensive efforts, a role amplified by the absence of Sebastian Berhalter in midfield. White`s impressive form has earned him a call-up to the Gold Cup squad. This season, he has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions and is a strong contender for the Concacaf Champions Cup Golden Boot with five goals scored in the tournament so far.
A formidable presence in the air, White is well-equipped to challenge Cruz Azul`s physical defenders. Even if he doesn`t find the net himself, his ability to occupy defensive attention will be crucial in creating space for his teammates to attack and influence the game for Vancouver.
Storyline to Watch
Can Vancouver Handle the Occasion? The Whitecaps have capably navigated every challenge presented to them thus far. However, they now find themselves in uncharted territory, with the potential to achieve something unprecedented in the city of Vancouver. While the Whitecaps did win the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1979, no team from Vancouver has secured a championship in the modern era`s major sports leagues.
Adding to the difficulty, they must attempt this historic feat without several key players. Although Ryan Gauld has been absent for much of this run, Sebastian Berhalter stepped up significantly in his place. With Berhalter now suspended, manager Sorensen must devise a new strategic approach. The Whitecaps have utilized squad rotation effectively to maintain freshness, but ensuring the team remains composed and isn`t overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion will be paramount against an experienced side like Cruz Azul.
Prediction
In what is expected to be a closely contested match, Brian White`s performance is likely to frustrate Cruz Azul`s attempts to take control, potentially pushing the game into extra time. While Cruz Azul may possess more depth in their squad, this is where Sorensen`s tactical setup could prove decisive. Vancouver is predicted to find just enough to edge out a narrow victory.
Score Prediction: Cruz Azul 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 2 (after extra time)
Dominic Ashworth