The Vancouver Whitecaps are getting noticed.
The attention is warranted with the way the ‘Caps have started the season — three straight wins in Major League Soccer play and a big result over a LIGA MX giant.
The team battled CF Monterrey to a 2-2 draw in CONCACAF Champions Cup play on Wednesday, a result that earned Vancouver a spot in the tournament's quarterfinals.
Heading into a road match with FC Dallas on Saturday, the Whitecaps are undefeated in their last six games across all competitions (4-0-2).
“We just know the stakes are getting higher and we just have to perform at the highest level,” said midfielder Jayden Nelson.
Dallas (1-1-1) will be yet another tough test for Vancouver.
The Toros dropped a 3-1 decision to the Chicago Fire last week, but boast one of MLS's top goal scorers in Luciano Acosta, who's already scored three on the season.
“They’re a very good team, especially the attackers," said Whitecaps 'keeper Yohei Takaoka. "I think (Acosta's) one of the best players in the league. And we need to be ready at any moment.”
The ‘Caps (3-0-0) enter the fourth week of MLS action leading the league in expected goals (8.09), shots (52) and corners (24).
The positive run of form comes during a cramped schedule that will see the club play its eighth game in 24 days on Saturday.
“It’s been a very tough month from the very first game of the season, very intense," Takaoka said. "But we’ve been really good.”
The team isn’t feeling a heightened sense of pressure amid the success, Nelson said.
“I think we just go about the games how we’ve been doing. And to be honest, we’re going to the games with the right principles, the right intentions,” he said.
“So that’s why we’re getting these wins. We have another game tomorrow and it’s the same mentality.”
The speedy Canadian is getting noticed, too.
Jesse Marsch, head coach of Canada’s men’s soccer team, said this week that Nelson is a player who can expect to be back with the squad this summer if his form continues.
Vying for a spot on the national squad is part of what brought Nelson back to MLS this season following a stint in Europe.
“I think that was maybe the whole reason behind it, to maybe get more eyes on me. And I’m more accessible in a way. And that was just a breath of fresh air to hear that from the head coach,” he said.
“I’m not looking too far ahead. It’s just each training session, each game. It’s good to hear, but (the) job’s not finished.”
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VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (3-0-0) AT FC DALLAS (1-1-1)
Saturday, Toyota Stadium
INS AND OUTS: The Whitecaps are still without captain Ryan Gauld (knee), forward Emmanuel Sabbi (ankle) and defender Sam Adekugbe (quad). Dallas is missing midfielders Paxton Pomykal (knee) and Show (upper leg) and defender Geovane Jesus (knee).
HISTORY BOOKS: The Toros hold a 12-10-9 edge in all-time meetings between the two clubs. Last time out, Vancouver and Dallas battled to a 0-0 draw at B.C. Place on Sept. 7.
CALLED UP: A pair of Whitecaps players have been called up to represent their countries at the CONCACAF Nations League Finals later this month. Midfielder Ali Ahmed will don the Maple Leaf when Canada faces Mexico on Thursday, while Brian White will join the United States against Panama the same day.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 14, 2025.
Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press
