The Vancouver Whitecaps grabbed three points in their 2026 MLS season opener, prevailing 1-0 over Real Salt Lake despite being dominated at times by the rotated visitors.
It didn't start well for the 'Caps, with an early Aiden Hezarkhani free kick not far off target.
After Yohei Takaoka saved a header from Ariath Piol, Vancouver went straight up the other end as captain Thomas Müller struck the post with a low driven effort, before Brian White couldn't control his rebound, sending it over the bar.
Moments later, a poor backpass from Mathías Laborda was intercepted by Piol, but the young Australian opted to shoot and hit the side netting rather than squaring to a teammate.
RSL thought they had broken the deadlock when a beautiful delivery found Katranis, who squared it to Piol to slide home — but the flag was up for offside on Katranis.
Aziel Jackson was Vancouver's biggest threat, though he was unable to create a clear chance, while a Sebastian Berhalter header drifted wide. That was as good as it got for the first 45.
In the 50th minute, Emmanuel Sabbi was shown a yellow card, with many arguing the American winger should have been sent off.
After a check, Drew Fischer waved play on, and Vancouver potentially got away with one.
Seven minutes later, Tate Johnson's run produced a deflected cross that Jackson volleyed past Rafael Cabral to open his Whitecaps account and grab the club's first goal in competitive play in 2026.
AZ starts the play. AZ finishes the play. 😏
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2026
Vancouver leads 1-0. pic.twitter.com/yIl4IAqPAA
Apart from that, clear chances were few and far between, though Emmanuel Sabbi was denied from point-blank range despite Müller being free at the far post.
RSL's best opportunity fell to youngster Zavier Gozo in the 88th minute, but Yohei Takaoka made a comfortable save, and after seven additional minutes, the Vancouver Whitecaps prevailed in a professional 1-0 win.
As for standouts, Aziel Jackson was the main man for Vancouver, while Ralph Priso and Tate Johnson were also impressive at the back.
It was a strong performance from Andrés Cubas too, despite a couple of slip-ups, as he remained consistent throughout.
Next up for Vancouver, they have a second leg against C.S. Cartaginés in continental action at home, before taking on Canadian rivals Toronto FC on Saturday, February 28, with kickoff set for 6:30 pm PT / 9:30 pm ET.
