Vancouver Whitecaps stuns MLS with historic run that no one predicted | OneFootball

Vancouver Whitecaps did not squander the opportunity to remind everyone once again that they are the team to beat this 2025 season. With the 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake at BC Place, the 'Caps extended their string of going unbeaten in 10 games in all competition, remained on top Supporters' Shield standings, and tied an achievement not accomplished since LA Galaxy in 2010: amassing 26 points through the first 11 rounds of the MLS regular season.

Control from the beginning whistle

Whitecaps started the game at their typical pace, scoring early and pushing RSL back into their own half. They nearly scored the opening just 10 minutes into the game, after Jayden Nelson cut in and shot into the top corner, but was blocked. Pedro Vite received the rebound, but his effort went directly into the gloves of RSL keeper Rafael Cabral.

Nelson was back in the spotlight again a couple of minutes later, moving forward and passing to Édier Ocampo on a 2-on-1. Ocampo tried to outrun Cabral on speed, but the RSL keeper came out and deflected the shot before it reached him.

Defender Tristan Blackmon (33) scores against Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Rafael Cabral (1) during the second half at BC Place | Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

Having made plenty of opportunities, Nelson placed his hands up and opened the scoring in the 20th minute. The Canadian played the ball near the midfield point and ran straight for goal, getting past two defenders before pushing it past Cabral into the goal.

Ocampo nearly had Whitecaps second, on a pass from Tristan Blackmon that split open the end line inside the box and firing a strong shot on target, but Cabral stretched to deflect it. Back on defense, Ocampo deflected an important shot being directed into the net following a dangerous cross rolling along in front of the 'Caps goal. Whitecaps maintained their intensity throughout the rest of the half, taking the break with a one-goal advantage.

Sustained pressure and complete control

The second half began just as the first, with the 'Caps generating chances from every direction. Ralph Priso reached a loose ball in the box off a set piece and took a volley, but his attempt went just wide.

RSL thought they had a path back into the match when the referee signaled the location of the penalty kick after what they believed to be a foul within the box, but upon review, the penalty was disallowed.

Then Whitecaps FC was awarded a penalty in the 68th minute when Ocampo was brought down inside the box. Ríos was called to take the kick, but Cabral blocked it and the rebound was cleared before he could profit from it.

The 'Caps waited no time at all to get the ball into the net again, as minutes later Vite found Sebastian Berhalter on the right side. Berhalter crossed the ball to Blackmon in the box, and he shot a hard ball into the top of the net.

Vite nearly made it 3-0 two minutes later, cutting inside on the box edge and trying to curl the ball into the far corner, but it went inches wide. Vite nearly became provider again late in the game, going one-on-one with the defender and trying to pass to Ali Ahmed to finish, but his pass was too long.

Late goal doesn't change the scenario

RSL received a consolation goal during stoppage time, a penalty after Berhalter reportedly committed a box foul.

Despite the goal being too late, Whitecaps FC did not get agitated and took the match, securing their eighth win out of the initial 11 matches of the MLS season.

Whitecaps at the top with merit

The Vancouver stretch is great. Eight victories, two draws and only a single defeat in 11 matches. A showing that places them at the top of the Western Conference and also the Supporters' Shield with 26 points, a season previously matched only once by LA Galaxy in 2010. Also, a 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions, the best for the club in MLS.