The Vancouver Whitecaps advanced past the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup after defeating C.S. Cartaginés 2-0 in a match they dominated from start to finish.
Following the goalless draw in Cartago, Jesper Sørensen made two changes from the side that started the first leg, with Ralph Priso coming in for Mathías Laborda and Oliver Larraz replacing Andrés Cubas. Cartaginés made one change of their own, with José Mora starting at right wing ahead of Juan Carlos Gaete, while veteran Johan Venegas was absent from the squad through injury.
It was one-way traffic for Vancouver in the first half. After a couple of half-chances, Jeevan Badwal found Brian White in close range, only for his effort to be blocked on the goal line by defender Carlos Barahona, keeping the game scoreless.
The Whitecaps were controversially awarded a penalty after Fernan Faerron handled the ball following a neat combination between Édier Ocampo and Emmanuel Sabbi. However, captain Brian White saw his tame spot kick saved by Kevin Briceño in the 40th minute, with the ball going out for a corner — marking the second consecutive year in which Vancouver missed their opening penalty of the season.
Vancouver fans could have been forgiven for fearing the worst heading into the break after that frustrating half.
The second half began with German superstar Thomas Müller introduced for Oliver Larraz, with Jeevan Badwal dropping back alongside Sebastian Berhalter. A cross from Édier Ocampo found Müller's head, but he struck the post, the second time he had done so already this season, before winning a corner shortly after.
From a second corner, the ball deflected off Tristan Blackmon's head and, with it hanging in the air, Peruvian Kenji Cabrera struck a half-volley that beat Kevin Briceño to open the scoring after 148 minutes of regulation play across the two legs.
Cabrera finds the breakthrough for Vancouver Whitecaps! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/EMQARhr6uj
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) February 26, 2026
The night didn't end without a scare for Cabrera, however, as he was forced off with an apparent ankle injury sustained in a challenge involving Jeevan Badwal and Cristopher Núñez.
Müller had another effort from distance in the 77th minute, but struck the post once more as the German continues his wait for a first goal of 2026.
The Whitecaps all but wrapped things up in the 80th minute. After sharp dribbling from Aziel Jackson, he laid the ball off to Sebastian Berhalter, who found the top right corner after an initial effort was blocked, effectively sealing the tie.
Berhalter doubles the advantage! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/ZQ5ztNHPR6
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) February 26, 2026
A late chance fell to Jackson, who was denied by a good save from Briceño as he looked to add to his goal from Saturday's 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Marco Ortíz brought proceedings to a close, sending the Vancouver Whitecaps through to the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16, where Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders await.
The 'Caps will host the first leg at BC Place on March 12, before travelling to One Spokane Stadium for the return match on the 18th.
Next up for Vancouver is a return to BC Place on Saturday night, where they host Canadian rivals Toronto FC, who failed to win in their season opener against FC Dallas. Kickoff is set for 6:30 pm PT / 9:30 pm ET.
