This Sunday night in Mexico, the Concacaf champions will be crowned as Cruz Azul and Vancouver Whitecaps face off for the trophy. This marks the fourth straight final between a Liga MX and MLS team in this tournament, a competition where Mexican clubs have historically held the upper hand. The Seattle Sounders remain the only MLS side to have claimed this championship, but Vancouver Whitecaps have an opportunity to make history, even though they are considered underdogs.
Vancouver will be missing key players: Sebastian Berhalter is suspended, and Ryan Gauld is injured. This puts more pressure on midfielder Pedro Vite. However, manager Jesper Sorensen has shown his team is adaptable and prepared for challenges regardless of player availability this season.
Here`s a look at key aspects of the match:
Last Meeting
This match marks the first time these two teams have ever played against each other, including in the Leagues Cup which frequently pits MLS and Liga MX clubs against one another. Vancouver has already achieved positive results when playing in Mexico during this tournament, securing outcomes against Pumas and Monterrey. This suggests they may feel confident about their prospects, despite the historical difficulties MLS teams face when playing away in Mexico.
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 is a key player for Vancouver, especially with midfield absences. The American striker has been in excellent form, earning a call-up to the Gold Cup squad (though that`s not his focus now). He has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances this season and is a contender for the tournament`s Golden Boot with five goals. White is strong in the air and can effectively challenge Cruz Azul`s physical defenders. Even if he doesn`t score, his ability to occupy defenders creates space and opportunities for his teammates in attack.
Storyline to Watch
Can Vancouver handle the pressure of the moment? The Whitecaps have faced challenges well so far, but they are now in uncharted territory. They have a chance to make history for the City of Vancouver; while the team won the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1979, no Vancouver team has won a major championship in modern top sports leagues. Furthermore, they must attempt this historic feat without several key players. While they`ve managed without Gauld for much of this run, Berhalter stepped up in his absence, and with him suspended, Sorensen needs a new strategy. The team has rotated to stay fresh, but managing the pressure against a seasoned team like Cruz Azul will be crucial.
Prediction
This match is expected to be tight. Brian White could neutralize Cruz Azul`s attacking threats, potentially sending the game to extra time. Although Cruz Azul might have greater squad depth, Vancouver`s tactics could give them the edge. A narrow victory for Vancouver after extra time seems plausible.
Prediction: Cruz Azul 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 2 (after extra time)
