ANALYSIS + HIGHLIGHTS: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. CF Monterrey | Concacaf Champions Cup R16 (Leg 1)

The Vancouver Whitecaps battled to a 1-1 draw in Leg 1 of this 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match-up vs. Mexican side CF Monterrey, as Belal Halbouni rescued the blushes of Jesper Sørensen's side with a late headed equalizer.

The game began on a sour note as Jayden Nelson was forced off with a left hamstring injury and replaced by Ali Ahmed just four minutes after kick-off. And the Whitecaps' fortunes didn't fare much better later in the half, as Roberto de la Rosa broke through the backline and charged at the 'keeper, finishing his chance despite looking offside on the initial pass.

The second half was much kinder to the Whitecaps though, even if Ryan Gauld's audacious bicycle kick smacked off the post to deny the equalizer. Instead, the 'Caps had to wait until the 86th minute for Belal Halbouni to find the back of the net, heading home a Gauld free kick to bring this series back to 1-1.

The Whitecaps next head to Monterrey in Mexico for Leg 2 of this 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup clash on Wednesday, March 12. Our pre-show coverage begins 5PM PT / 8PM ET ahead of 5:30PM PT / 8:30PM ET kick-off. Catch the match right here on OneSoccer.

Here are your Leg 1 match highlights: