Vancouver Whitecaps FC got a road goal but conceded a last-second, go-ahead strike, falling 2-1 against Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa in Thursday's Concacaf Champions Cup Round One opener at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá.
Scottish talisman Ryan Gauld scored Vancouver's road goal with a 21st-minute tally assisted by Ali Ahmed, perfectly placing his first-time shot to the left of diving Saprissa goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.
Saprissa struck back just after the second-half kickoff on a golazo from captain Mariano Torres, who converted a clinical left-footed shot from well outside the penalty box. Despite the concession, Vancouver were just seconds away from escaping with the 1-1 draw, only to see Saprissa's Ariel Rodríguez score the winning goal moments before full time.
That goal leaves the Whitecaps with a one-goal aggregate deficit ahead of Leg 2, which takes place at BC Place next Thursday. The aggregate winner advances to face Liga MX side Monterrey in the Round of 16 in the continental tournament.
Vancouver open their 2025 MLS campaign on Sunday with a road matchup at Cascadia rival Portland Timbers (4 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
