Rested Vancouver Whitecaps prepared for tough test against MLS-leading Union

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Whitecaps fans understand why Jesper Sorensen considers himself lucky.

After all, the first nine months of Sorensen’s tenure as the team’s head coach have brought some big milestones.

There was a 15-game undefeated streak. And an appearance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final. Most recently, his club signed a world-renowned player.

“When I think back a little bit, I’m very grateful for the season we’ve had so far, but it also makes the ambitions also go up a little bit,” Sorensen said.

“So I think it’s been a great experience so far for me. But we’re here and closing in on the last part of the season, where the most important things are to be decided.”

It may just be that the best is yet to come.

Vancouver (14-6-7) can clinch a playoff spot Saturday with a win or a draw against the visiting Philadelphia Union (17-6-6).

The ‘Caps head into the contest sitting third in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference with seven regular-season games left on the schedule. The club is also still vying for its fourth straight Canadian Championship title.

“I’ve been very lucky that I came into a situation where there was a lot of good players and a very good group that was well coached and very disciplined,” Sorensen said. “And that the players have done amazingly, I think, which has made the foundation for us having a good season so far.”

The past three weeks have given the coach some time to reflect. His team hasn’t played since Aug. 23 when Vancouver edged visiting St. Louis City SC thanks to an injury-time penalty kick from German soccer legend Thomas Muller, who joined the club last month.

During the first week of the break, Sorensen was able to work with most of his players. Then eight Whitecaps were called up to their international teams.

“It’s been strange times, working with a very small group. But I think we managed well,” the coach said.

The Whitecaps face a stiff test in their return to play against league-leading Philadelphia.

Striker Daniel Rios knows the Union better than many of his teammates, having played against them when he suited up for Eastern Conference clubs Atlanta United and Charlotte FC.

“They have players with a lot of quality. They have a roster that’s been together for many years, even though they changed the coach (this season),” he said. “But they know each other, they know pretty well their system. They’re very strong at home, good with the ball.

“But every team is beatable, and we’ll try to do our best and win the game.”

Rios is likely to take on a bigger role Saturday as Vancouver’s top striker, Brian White, recovers from a hamstring injury.

It’s a challenge the Mexican forward said he’s ready for.

“We’re a team, we’ve been having some injuries … and every player that has the opportunity is going to be helping the team,” Rios said. That’s the way we are a team. Everyone is ready to wait for their opportunity and help the most they can.”

PHILADELPHIA UNION (17-6-6) AT VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (14-6-7)

Saturday, B.C. Place

MULLING MULLER: Some of Muller’s new teammates continue to be in awe of the German legend. Asked this week about what it’s like to play alongside the World Cup winner, fullback Edier Ocampo was effusive. “He’s an idol, basically, he’s an example to follow. I’ve watched him since I was a kid,” he said. “To share the training pitch, day in day out, with him is a blessing. It’s amazing for me, and you can obviously learn so many things from him. He’s such a professional. The way he trains, the way he carries himself, is amazing. So super happy to live through this with him and have him here as part of the team.”

HISTORY BOOKS: The all-time record for matchups between the Whitecaps and Union is even at 3-3-4. The clubs haven’t faced each other since April 2019 when they battled to a 1-1 draw at B.C. Place.

WORLD CUP BOUND: Midfielder Andres Cubas spent the international break helping Paraguay book its spot in next summer’s World Cup. He was among eight ‘Caps players who spent the break with their national teams.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2025.

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press