‘caps Come Out Strong, But Tigres End On Top

February 14, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release

SAN NICOLÁS DE LOS GARZA, MX – Vancouver Whitecaps FC showed once again that they could go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the region, but missed chances and late goals saw them fall 3-0 in the second leg against Tigres UANL to bow out of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Vanni Sartini made two changes to his starting lineup from the first leg. Andrés Cubas returned from injury, replacing Pedro Vite in midfield, who was limited due to a tight hamstring. Sebastian Berhalter came in at right wingback for Luís Martins, who sat with hip discomfort.

While Tigres brought the pedigree of a top LIGA MX side and recent Concacaf champion, it was the ‘Caps who came out strongest in the first half.

The three best chances of the half all came from the ‘Caps.

Only two minutes in, Ryan Gauld got on the end of a turnover and fed Damir Kreilach close to goal, but he could not find his footing.

Later in the half Mathías Laborda had the first of two good looks. Nine minutes in on a cross off a corner kick from Berhalter, Laborda headed just wide. Then moments before halftime, another good move ended with Ryan Raposo heading it towards him yards from the net, but a sliding effort went agonizingly wide.

Tigres finally broke the deadlock in the second half. In the 51st minute, a headed ball from Fernando Gorriarán in the box caromed off the crossbar, landing invitingly at the foot of Luis Quiñones to make it 1-0.

Only four minutes later, the ‘Caps had a terrific chance to draw the series level. Kreilach fed Brian White on the break, but his centering pass was cut out before it could reach Gauld for a tap-in into the gaping net.

In the 76th minute, substitute Fafà Picault tested Tigres with a long shot, but goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán got down low to make the save. Minutes later Picault was at it again, firing just wide.

In the 85th minute Ozziel Herrera headed in a cross from Diego Lainez to make it 2-0. Juan Vigón would add one more late as the final score would flatter the home side.

The ‘Caps will now head to Coachella Valley in California to continue preseason preparations for the MLS season, before returning to Vancouver on February 21.

Whitecaps FC will then look ahead to their MLS season opener on Saturday, March 2 when they host Eastern Conference side Charlotte FC at BC Place for the first time. Kickoff will be at 4:30 p.m. PT, the upper bowl will be open, and more than 25,000 tickets…