Cruz Azul Takes on Vancouver Whitecaps in Concacaf Champions Cup: Key Insights and How to Watch
An overview of the upcoming match between Cruz Azul and Vancouver Whitecaps, including predictions, lineups, and odds.
Cruz Azul Takes on Vancouver Whitecaps in Concacaf Champions Cup: Key Insights and How to Watch
Can the Whitecaps secure a title for Vancouver?
The champions of Concacaf will face off on Sunday night as Cruz Azul takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps in Mexico for a coveted trophy. For the fourth time in a row, a Liga MX team will compete against an MLS team, a contest that has seen Mexican teams largely prevail. The Seattle Sounders remain the only MLS team to have won this championship, yet the Whitecaps have a slim chance at changing that despite their underdog status.
The Whitecaps will be missing Sebastian Berhalter due to suspension and Ryan Gauld due to injury, putting pressure on Pedro Vite in the midfield. However, manager Jesper Sorensen has prepared the team well, adjusting their tactics as needed throughout the season.
How to watch Cruz Azul vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, odds
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Olimpico Universitario, Mexico City, Mexico
- TV: FS1 | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: Cruz Azul -145; Draw +220; Vancouver Whitecaps +360
Last meeting
This match marks the first encounter between the two teams, despite the introduction of the Leagues Cup, which allows MLS and Liga MX sides to compete regularly against each other. Vancouver has previously achieved success in Mexico, winning against teams like Pumas and Monterrey in this tournament, bolstering their confidence as they head into a region where MLS teams often struggle.
Predicted lineups
Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier, Omar Campos, Jesus Orozco, Gonzalo Piovi, Willer Ditta, Jorge Sanchez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Erik Lira, Carlos Rodriguez, Angel Sepulveda, Mateusz Bogusz
Vancouver Whitecaps: Yohei Takaoka, Sam Adekugbe, Ranko Veselinovic, Tristan Blackmon, Mathias Laborda, Pedro Vite, Andres Cubas, J.S. Ngado, Ali Ahmed, Brian White, Jayden Nelson
Player to watch
Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps: All the pressure for Vancouver rides on this American striker, especially in the absence of Berhalter. White has been phenomenal this season, with 15 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions and is a contender for the Concacaf Champions Cup Golden Boot with five goals thus far. His aerial ability makes him a formidable challenge for the experienced defenders of Cruz Azul.
Storyline to watch
Can Vancouver handle the moment? The Whitecaps have faced challenges head-on but enter a crucial match uncharted for both the franchise and the city. Despite the long history of soccer in Vancouver, no team in the city has brought home a championship from the top five sports leagues. Today, the Caps stand at the precipice of changing this narrative, albeit without some crucial players. Maintaining composure against a seasoned team like Cruz Azul will be vital.
Prediction
Expect a tightly contested match. Brian White is likely to keep Cruz Azul at bay, leading the game into extra time. Although Cruz Azul boasts a deeper squad, Sorensen’s tactical approach may just give Vancouver the edge they need to achieve a narrow victory.
Pick: Cruz Azul 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 2 (after extra time)
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