The Vancouver Whitecaps FC took on the Colorado Rapids FC for their Vaisakhi night

Megan Swain/GATG

This match took place on April 5, 2025, where the Whitecaps looked to bring home a win to stay atop the west and the MLS.

Their last two home games ended in a loss and a draw. This brought more urgency for the Whitecaps to get back to winning on home turf, which they did with a 2-0 win over the Rapids.

Whitecaps Strike First

At the 19’ mark, Brian White scored, giving the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead, marking his second goal of the MLS season. The assists went to Tate Johnson and Sebastian Berhalter. Johnson’s assist on the goal was the first in his MLS career.

Looking at the Whitecaps 2025 MLS situational records, currently, they are very predicting of how a game will go. When the Whitecaps strike first, they are 4-0-0, and when the opponent strikes first they are 0-1-0. 

Following these stats, White’s opening goal is a comforting indicator of how the rest of the game will go, and in this case, it followed suit, making the Whitecaps 5-0-0 when they open the scoring.

A Night of Firsts for Sabbi

In Emmanuel Sabbi’s first start for the Whitecaps, he scored his first of the season, his first ever in the MLS, and his first for the team. Sabbi’s goal came in the 38’, doubling the Whitecaps lead to 2-0.

It was a beautiful pass from Ali Ahmed right through the defenders to Sabbi’s foot, which he then put in the net. Sabbi’s excitement for his goal was clear, as he celebrated on the pitch with a backflip. 

When asked about his goal, Sabbi said, “It’s definitely a good feeling to score again. First goal for the Whitecaps, it’s a really good feeling.” This is a feeling he will be chasing again to help the Whitecaps keep winning.

Sabbi has faced a lot of adversity this season with an injury early in the season. When asked about Sabbi’s challenges, head coach Jesper Sørensen commented, “Now, he’s back. Getting to a new club, you want to show yourself immediately, and he was just unfortunate not to be able to. Now, I think he’s built himself up, and become stronger. And today, when you score a goal it’s always special.”

A Disallowed Goal

Early into the second half, in the 49’, the Whitecaps took a 3-0 lead, but the goal was quickly revoked as the Whitecaps were offside, leaving the score at 2-0.

There was no more goal action in the game ending with a 2-0 victory for the Whitecaps. Putting them back in the MLS win column, helping to preserve their position atop the western conference and the league.

Off to a Hot Start

With the Whitecaps victory over the Rapids, their MLS record stands at 5-1-1, which is a record for their best seven starts to an MLS season. 

When asked about achieving this record, Sørensen notes “Of course it motivates everybody… It‘s great. I would say it motivates everybody and inspires everybody when things are going well.”

Such a great start for the Whitecaps is impressive, but it's even more impressive considering the start to the season they’ve had with injuries, national call-ups, and a packed schedule with games. 

When Ahmed was asked about whether he was surprised by the team’s success after facing all this adversity he said, “I don’t think we’re surprised. We know what we’re capable of. We know we have great talent on the squad. Jesper, one of the first words he’s preached since pre-season is belief. If everybody is believing, then it’s going to be hard to stop us and I think we know what we’re capable of.”

The team looks to be taking Sørensen’s message to heart achieving an impressive start to their season not only in the MLS, but in the CONCACAF Champions Cup as well.

Looking Ahead

The Whitecaps hit the road for a quick trip to Mexico to play leg 2 of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup against the PUMAS on April 9, 2025.

They then come home for an April 12, 2025 MLS matchup against Austin FC. This game is the Whitecaps Women and Girls in Sport Celebration Match, and Girls at the Games will be there!

The game against Austin FC will be their last MLS home game before May as they play their next two games on the road.