Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Real Salt Lake 3-2 on the road at America First Field and picked up three vital points. The Canadian squad continued their unbeaten record, now 14 games in all competitions, the longest in the history of the club in the MLS, and reclaimed the top spot in the Western Conference and the Supporters' Shield standings.
With a comeback sealed in the first half, the Whitecaps showed offensive cohesion, set-piece proficiency, and defensive rigidity at critical moments. The side also became the only unbeaten away team of this MLS season.
Real Salt Lake starts strong, but Whitecaps counter with speed
The home team moved early and did not waste much time getting ahead. Zavier Gozo and Diego Luna found the first two for Real Salt Lake, putting the pressure on Vancouver early in the first half. Vancouver did find an answer before halftime, however, using set pieces and direct play down the middle.
Sebastian Berhalter's 20th-minute corner found Brian White in the box. The striker leaped high and headed the ball, his 70th career MLS regular-season goal. Two minutes later, another corner by Berhalter, Sam Adekugbe headed the ball into the center of the field, where it was deflected off William Agada's arm. After a VAR review, a penalty kick was awarded. White confidently buried it from the spot, tying the game at halftime.
Clean chances and Vancouver's attack rhythm
In the second half, the Whitecaps stuck with their attack plan. In the opposing corner, Berhalter sends the ball across to Tristan Blackmon, who headed for the goal. A Real Salt Lake defender cleared the ball off the line. The Canadian team continued putting pressure on but could not find an immediate score.
Real Salt Lake countered with another menacing pass by Gozo to T.A. Agada, who gained an advantageous second-half scoring chance. His shot from point-blank range was deflected by Takaoka, who recorded his second crucial stop to maintain the 2-2 tie. Meanwhile, the match hung in balance, Vancouver enjoying a greater lead in possession and Real relying on quick counterattacks.
Pedro Vite and Jayden Nelson nearly turn score around
Pedro Vite was given the ball in the 78th minute and hit a beautiful trivela pass to Brian White on the back of the defense. White shot from his right foot but was blocked by Cabral. On the rebound, Jayden Nelson crushed the ball over the bar. Vancouver nearly took the lead but wasted yet another golden opportunity.
Seconds later, Ahmed had White wide open at the far post with a short pass. The forward tried his hat trick, but the Salt Lake goalkeeper saved him again with a save from close range.
Shortly thereafter, White scored once more on a drilled play, but the attempt was disallowed due to a foul in gaining possession of the ball. Vancouver continued to create chances with shots, holding possession, and staying busy in the attacking third, still searching for the initial goal.
Late goal seals the win
In the 90th minute, the Whitecaps completed the comeback. Pedro Vite made a left-footed shot from beyond the box and placed it into the left corner, going past Cabral. The 3-2 score was due to the team's relentless attacking pressure, especially during the second half.
The victory put the Whitecaps back atop the Western Conference, with nine wins, one loss, and four draws, for 31 points. They also assumed the Supporters' Shield lead, which goes to the best team across the league in the MLS regular season.
Since August 2023, the away team's record in regular-season games is 14 victories, eight defeats, and 10 draws with a point tally of 52. Consistency away from home has been one of the determining reasons for the good performance of the team this year.