The Concacaf champion will be crowned this Sunday night as Cruz Azul faces off against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Mexico. This matchup marks the fourth consecutive meeting between a Liga MX team and an MLS team in this competition, with the Mexican side having the upper hand historically. The only MLS team to claim the title so far has been the Seattle Sounders, but the Whitecaps could potentially change that, despite a challenging path ahead.
Vancouver will be without key players Sebastian Berhalter due to suspension and Ryan Gauld due to injury, heightening the pressure on midfielder Pedro Vite. Nevertheless, manager Jesper Sorensen has prepared his squad to tackle this season’s challenges, no matter the lineup.
How to Watch Cruz Azul vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Time: 9 PM
- Location: University Olympic Stadium – Mexico City, Mexico
- TV: FS1 | Live Stream: fubo (free trial available)
- Odds: Cruz Azul -145; Draw +220; Vancouver Whitecaps +360
Previous Encounter
This is the inaugural meeting between these two teams despite the ongoing League Cup format that pits MLS and Liga MX teams against each other frequently. The Whitecaps have performed well in Mexico so far, securing results against teams like Pumas and Monterrey, which gives them hope, even in an environment historically challenging for MLS clubs.
Predicted Lineup
Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier, Omar Campos, Jesus Orozco, Gonzalo Piovie, Willer Ditta, Jorge Sanchez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Eric Lila, Carlos Rodriguez, Angel Sepulveda, Mateus Bogus
Vancouver Whitecaps: Yohei Takaoka, Sam Adedugbe, Rank Veselinovic, Tristan Black, Mathias Laborda, Pedro Vite, Andres Cubas, JS Ahmed, Brian White, Jayden Nelson
Players to Watch
Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps: As key plays in Vancouver’s offense will depend heavily on White, whose impressive form has earned him a spot on Mauricio Pochettino’s Gold Cup roster. This season, he has netted 15 goals across 21 appearances and won the CONCACAF Champions Cup Golden Boot with five goals, making him a significant threat even against Cruz Azul’s strong defense.
Key Storyline
Can Vancouver Make History? While the Whitecaps have challenged every obstacle in their path, they also seek to break their championship drought in the modern era of top-five North American sports leagues. Historically, the franchise won the NASL Football Bowl in 1979 but has yet to secure a championship in the current leagues. Broader implications also loom, as the Whitecaps aim to achieve this milestone without several key players, navigating a historic moment against a seasoned Cruz Azul squad.
Prediction
The match is expected to be tight, with Brian White possibly equalizing Cruz Azul’s attempts, leading the game into extra time. While Cruz Azul has a more extensive roster, Sorensen’s tactical approach could enable Vancouver to clinch a narrow victory. Final score prediction: Cruz Azul 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 2 (after extra time).
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Fan Take: This championship match is a pivotal moment for MLS as the Vancouver Whitecaps look to etch their name in league history while facing traditional powerhouses. A win could signal a growing competitiveness between MLS and Liga MX, reshaping the soccer landscape in North America.
