Vancouver, BC – July 12, 2025 – The Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a professional soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a key player in Major League Soccer (MLS), competing in the Western Conference since joining in 2011. Led by German CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster and Norwegian head coach Jesper Sørensen, the team has enjoyed a strong 2025 season, leading the MLS Western Conference with a 10-1-5 record, though they faced a significant 5-0 loss to Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final in Mexico.
The club, previously up for sale in December 2024 by owners Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash, is no longer on the market as discussions focus on keeping the team in Vancouver, potentially with a new stadium at the PNE fairgrounds.
Newer players like Édier Ocampo (joined 2024) and Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau contrast with long-term stalwarts like Ryan Gauld and Ranko Veselinović, who have been pivotal in recent success. The Whitecaps are vital to Canadian soccer, with players like Ali Ahmed, Sam Adekugbe, and Jayden Nelson contributing to Canada’s national team, which is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, with Vancouver’s BC Place set to host seven matches, including knockout stages. Knowing the Whitecaps is crucial as they represent Vancouver’s soccer heritage and play a significant role in elevating Canada’s profile ahead of the global tournament.
For the latest information, visit whitecapsfc.com and follow @WhitecapsFC on social media.
Goalkeepers
- Max Anchor – Goalkeeper, Canada – A homegrown Canadian goalkeeper, Anchor has risen through Vancouver’s youth academy, embodying the club’s commitment to developing local talent. His continued growth positions him as a promising figure in the Whitecaps’ goalkeeping ranks.
- Isaac Boehmer – Goalkeeper, Canada – Another product of Vancouver’s youth system, Boehmer provides a dependable presence in goal. His experience in Canadian soccer leagues has equipped him to handle the challenges of Major League Soccer.
- Yohei Takaoka – Goalkeeper, Japan – At 29 years old (born March 16, 1996), Takaoka has solidified his role as a key component of Vancouver’s defense. His sharp reflexes and authoritative presence in the penalty area have earned him a reputation as one of MLS’s reliable goalkeepers.
- Adrían Zendejas – Goalkeeper, United States – An experienced American goalkeeper, Zendejas adds depth to Vancouver’s goalkeeping unit. His diverse competitive background strengthens the team’s defensive options.
Defenders
- Sam Adekugbe – Defender, Canada – A 30-year-old (born February 16, 1995) left-back born in England but representing Canada internationally, Adekugbe blends defensive solidity with attacking dynamism. His ability to contribute in both phases of play makes him a versatile asset on the flank.
- Tristan Blackmon – Defender, United States – At 29 years old (born August 12, 1996), Blackmon is a commanding centre-back and vocal leader. His physicality and organizational skills are central to Vancouver’s defensive structure.
- Giuseppe Bovalina – Defender, Australia – An Australian defender with Italian heritage, Bovalina brings tactical versatility to the backline. His adaptability and football intelligence enhance Vancouver’s defensive strategies.
- Belal Halbouni – Defender, Canada – A Canadian centre-back, Halbouni reflects Vancouver’s focus on nurturing regional talent. His progression through the club’s system highlights its success in developing homegrown players.
- Tate Johnson – Defender, United States – An emerging American defender, Johnson is building his professional career with Vancouver. His potential suggests a bright future in bolstering the team’s defensive depth.
- Mathías Laborda – Defender, Uruguay – A 26-year-old (born September 15, 1999) Uruguayan centre-back, Laborda combines South American grit with ball-playing composure. His reliability under pressure is vital to Vancouver’s defensive core.
- Édier Ocampo – Defender, Colombia – At 22 years old (born October 3, 2003), this dynamic Colombian right-back has quickly adapted to MLS. His blistering pace and attacking instincts make him a standout contributor.
- Bjørn Inge Utvik – Defender, Norway – A 29-year-old (born February 28, 1996) Norwegian centre-back, Utvik offers disciplined defending and aerial strength. His positional awareness bolsters Vancouver’s backline.
- Ranko Veselinović – Defender, Serbia – At 26 years old (born March 24, 1999), Veselinović brings Serbian defensive resolve to the team. His anticipation and tactical acumen make him a cornerstone of Vancouver’s defense.Midfielders
- Jeevan Badwal – Midfielder, Canada – A young Canadian midfielder, Badwal represents the next wave of homegrown talent. His development within Vancouver’s academy underscores the club’s youth-focused approach.
- Sebastian Berhalter – Midfielder, United States – A 24-year-old (born May 10, 2001) central midfielder, Berhalter showcases technical precision and playmaking vision. His ability to control the tempo enhances Vancouver’s midfield creativity.
- Andrés Cubas – Midfielder, Paraguay – At 29 years old (born May 22, 1996), Cubas is a tenacious defensive midfielder. His blend of South American intensity and tactical discipline anchors Vancouver’s midfield.
- Ryan Gauld – Midfielder, Scotland – A 30-year-old (born December 16, 1995) attacking midfielder, Gauld is one of MLS’s premier playmakers. His vision and precise passing have elevated Vancouver’s attacking output.
- Damir Kreilach – Midfielder, Croatia – A 36-year-old (born April 16, 1989) Croatian midfielder, Kreilach brings veteran experience and technical quality. His versatility adds depth to Vancouver’s midfield options.
- J.C. Ngando – Midfielder, Canada – A Canadian midfielder, Ngando’s steady development through Vancouver’s system highlights the club’s success in fostering local talent.
- Jayden Nelson – Midfielder, Canada – A 23-year-old (born September 26, 2002) Canadian attacking midfielder, Nelson’s rise through Vancouver’s ranks signals a bright future for homegrown players.
- Ralph Priso – Midfielder, Canada – Born in Cameroon but representing Canada, the 23-year-old (born August 2, 2002) midfielder adds dynamism and versatility to the squad, enriching Vancouver’s midfield diversity.
- Pedro Vite – Midfielder, Ecuador – At 23 years old (born March 9, 2002), Vite is a dynamic attacking midfielder. His ability to score and create goals makes him a vital component of Vancouver’s offensive strategy.
Forwards
- Ali Ahmed – Forward, Canada – A Canadian forward, Ahmed’s speed and directness, honed through Vancouver’s academy, make him an exciting prospect for the team’s attacking line.
- Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau – Forward, Canada – A homegrown Canadian forward, Fleuriau Chateau’s emergence through Vancouver’s youth system exemplifies the club’s commitment to developing local talent.
- Daniel Ríos – Forward, Mexico – A 30-year-old (born February 22, 1995) Mexican striker, Ríos brings seasoned goal-scoring prowess. His clinical finishing and physical presence strengthen Vancouver’s attack.
- Emmanuel Sabbi – Forward, United States – A 28-year-old (born December 24, 1997) American winger, Sabbi’s explosive pace and versatility stretch defenses, creating vital scoring opportunities.
- Brian White – Forward, United States – At 29 years old (born February 3, 1996), White is one of MLS’s top strikers. His strength, aerial ability, and consistent goal-scoring make him Vancouver’s primary offensive threat.
Bonus Info:
Alphonso Davies, a standout Canadian soccer star and Bayern Munich left-back, began his professional journey with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Joining the Whitecaps’ Residency program in 2015 at age 14, he quickly rose through the ranks, debuting for the first team in 2016 at just 15, becoming one of MLS’s youngest players. His remarkable talent led to a record-breaking $22 million transfer to Bayern in 2018, where he has since excelled, but his early development with the Whitecaps laid the foundation for his global success. The club retains a financial stake through a sell-on clause, benefiting from his ongoing career achievements.
Conclusion:
Westcoast German News is passionate about uniting soccer fans to become WISE—Westcoast International Soccer Enthusiasts—celebrating the vibrant soccer culture that connects Vancouver to the global stage. With the Vancouver Whitecaps FC thriving under German CEO Axel Schuster and showcasing talents like Ryan Gauld, the club embodies the spirit of international soccer excellence.
We aim to channel this enthusiasm by launching an unofficial fan club dedicated to Germany’s legendary soccer teams, such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, fostering a community where fans can share their love for German soccer, celebrate its rich history, and rally behind the Whitecaps’ success as a beacon of West Coast pride. Join us in embracing this exciting journey as we build a vibrant, inclusive fanbase ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
Visit this page and scroll down to find the details surround the Flex Plan and other Partial Seasons passes. https://www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets/partialseason-tickets
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