RECAP + HIGHLIGHTS: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. CF Montréal | 2026 Telus Canadian Championship (Semifinals, Leg 1)

Alexis Sánchez thought he had his first CF Montreal goal, but a controversial offside call helped keep the Vancouver Whitecaps alive in an eventual 1-1 Telus Canadian Championship semifinal Leg 1 draw at BC Place.

And if we're talking about throwing out the script, the drama of this match-up kicked off early, as CF Montreal took a stunning lead in the 15th minute through Daniel Pereira, who intercepted Oliver Larraz’s pass near midfield before spotting Isaac Boehmer off his line and launching an audacious long-range strike over the Whitecaps goalkeeper.

Vancouver pushed for an equalizer, with Brian White forcing a sharp save from Sébastian Breza before Édier Ocampo struck the woodwork from distance.

But Montreal had chances to extend their advantage.

Fabian Herbers had a goal ruled out before halftime after Prince Owusu was caught offside in the buildup, and Sánchez suffered the same fate after entering in the 57th minute.

The Chilean appeared to have his first Montreal goal when he finished into an empty net following a two-on-zero breakaway with Owusu. The flag went up for offside, however, with replays showing an extremely tight decision.

Officials reviewed the play but upheld the call, keeping Vancouver within one.

The Whitecaps made Montreal pay in the 72nd minute, as Ryan Gauld redirected the ball past Breza to level this semifinal at 1-1.

This result leaves everything to play for in the second leg at Stade Saputo on Sept. 16, as is the case with Forge FC and FC Supra as well, as the two other semifinalists also played out to a 1-1 draw earlier this week.

Vancouver are chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive Canadian Championship title, while Montreal are looking to lift the Voyageurs Cup for the first time since 2021.