Whitecaps Survive Valour’s Scare to Reach Semis
The Vancouver Whitecaps are one step closer to lifting a fourth consecutive TELUS Canadian Championship title after narrowly outlasting Valour FC 4–3 on aggregate. The dramatic second leg at BC Place on Wednesday ended 2–1 in favour of the hosts, thanks to a 90th-minute header by Bjørn Inge Utvik.
The victory didn’t come easy. Valour matched the defending champs stride for stride, pushing the tie to the brink of penalties before heartbreak struck in stoppage time.
A Stalemate Turns Into Late Drama
After a 2–2 draw in the first leg, both sides entered the return leg with everything to play for. The opening half saw chances at both ends — Daniel Ríos and Brian White had shots for Vancouver, while Raphael Ohin nearly scored for Valour early on.
Despite controlling 67% possession, the Whitecaps struggled to break down a resolute Valour defence in the first 45 minutes. The visitors limited Vancouver to just 0.35 expected goals (xG) before the break — a testament to their compact shape and discipline.
Vancouver’s Pressure Builds After the Break
The second half was a different story. The Whitecaps emerged with urgency, creating a flurry of chances between the 57th and 77th minutes. Jayden Nelson, Sebastian Berhalter, and Ríos all came close, but Valour’s goalkeeper Eleias Himaras stood tall, making a series of clutch saves.
Eventually, the pressure paid off in the 80th minute when Emmanuel Sabbi curled a brilliant strike into the top corner, putting Vancouver ahead on the night and 3–2 on aggregate.
Valour Responds Before a Crushing Blow
Valour refused to back down. Just six minutes after falling behind, Jevontae Layne rose highest to nod in Roberto Alarcón’s corner, bringing the score to 1–1 and levelling the tie at 3–3. At that moment, penalties looked inevitable.
But then came the dagger.
In the 90th minute, Jayden Nelson floated a pinpoint cross into the box. Utvik, timing his run perfectly, headed home the match-winner to give the Whitecaps a 2–1 victory on the night — and a 4–3 win on aggregate.
A Gritty Effort from Valour
Despite the loss, Valour’s performance earned plaudits. The CPL side, which held just 21.5% possession in the second half, still managed to keep Vancouver under pressure and created danger from set-pieces.
“We gave everything in these 180 minutes,” said goalkeeper Eleias Himaras. “Now we just need to bring this energy into the league.”
Head coach Phil Dos Santos echoed the sentiment. “We’re proud of what the players delivered over both legs,” he said. “This can be a turning point for us.”
Currently seventh in the CPL table with 8 points, Valour trails the final playoff spot by just 7 points. If they can channel this performance, their season still holds promise.
Stat Highlights
Goals: Sabbi (80′) and Utvik (90′) for Whitecaps, Layne (86′) for Valour
xG (Second Half): Vancouver 1.4 from 11 shots, 5 on target
Possession: Vancouver 67% (First Half), 78.5% (Second Half)
Player of the Match: Ranko Veselinović, who completed 98% of his passes and assisted Sabbi’s goal
What’s Next for Both Clubs?
The Whitecaps will now face Forge FC in the TELUS Canadian Championship semi-finals, set for August and September. The winner of that tie will host the final.
In MLS action, Vancouver heads to Colorado to take on the Rapids on Saturday, July 12th. Valour resumes CPL play on Sunday, July 13th, when they visit York United.
Catch every match live on OneSoccer, available via website, app, TELUS channel 980, and Fubo TV.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more thrilling updates from Canadian soccer.
