Vancouver Whitecaps celebrate back-to-back Canadian Championship win
Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini jumped to chants in front of supporters while players and coaches streamed on to the field at B.C. Place, tearing off their shirts and hugging one another to celebrate a back-to-back Canadian Championship win.
Ryan Gauld scored the matchwinner off a penalty in the 65th minute as Vancouver beat CF Montreal 2-1 to ensure the Canadian Championship trophy stays on the West Coast for another year.
Gauld said after the match that he routinely decides a day before the match where to place his penalty.
“As soon as the referee's given the penalty, as soon as I get the ball I know where I'm going,” he said.
The head coach couldn't have been much happier after the match.
“We're over the moon,” said Sartini, who had stripped off his shirt on television after being soaked in Gatorade by a member of his coaching staff. “I'm very happy for everyone. I told them before the game that I'm proud to work with them.”
Montreal scored its lone goal in the 83rd minute after Vancouver defender Tristan Blackmon failed to clear the ball in his team's box, allowing Montreal forward Sunusi Ibrahim to tuck it past goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.
The Whitecaps opened the scoring 57 minutes in off an error from Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, which allowed striker Brian White to slot the ball home.
It's the second straight year the Whitecaps have claimed the Canadian Championship and the third time in the club's history it has won the trophy.
“It's so satisfying for a coach,” Sartini said about his team's performance. “It's even more satisfying than winning the cup. Because it means that these guys believe in this process, believe in what we're doing.”
Sartini got a tattoo of the trophy after winning last year and said he would add to it after the latest triumph.
Up until the breakthrough goal, Vancouver had been denied by Sirois's several acrobatic saves, including one where he stopped what looked like a sure goal with his feet mid-dive.
Montreal head coach Hernan Losada praised the B.C.-club after the match and said it was a good learning experience for his young squad.
“We really gave it our all.,” said Lasorda. “It's a beautiful experience for so many young players in our roster. To be part of a game like that, well not many players have the opportunity to play a final. Some players have careers of 10 or 15 years and have never been in a situation like that.”
The Whitecaps outshot Montreal 20-9 with the Quebec side leaving it until late to threaten Takaoka's goal.
“We were playing very well and I told (the players) that every time we had a chance it was because we carried the ball,” Sartini said about what he told his team at halftime.
Canada men's head coach John Herdman presented the Best Young Canadian Player Award to midfielder Ali Ahmed, who missed the match as he continues his recovery from a concussion.
Canada Soccer interim general secretary and former national team player Jason de Vos presented the George Gross Most Valuable Player Award to Julian Gressel, who recorded an assist on White's opener.
Sartini signed as head coach in 2021 and said after the match he wants to continue in his role.
An hour after the match, Whitecaps staff, players and their families went on to the pitch to take one last photo to document the win.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.