'We were not ready': Whitecaps Ranko Veselinović reacts to Concacaf Champions Cup Final loss

There will surely be a long and painful post-mortem into how exactly the Vancouver Whitecaps were so thoroughly outclassed by Cruz Azul in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Final. 

But moments after the final whistle had sounded on their stunning 5-0 loss, Vancouver Whitecaps defender Ranko Veselinović was asked to give his thoughts on what was an outstanding run from the Canadian club ending in such a shocking fashion. 

"It's hard to say anything after a game like this," he told the broadcast. "I would like to congratulate Cruz Azul, they won deservedly. They deserved to win tonight, they were the better team in every aspect. We were not ready for this game tonight."

Veselinović went on to expand on that last point, saying that the hosts clearly came out with more intensity -- scoring early and taking over the final before it had really begun. Cruz Azul struck just eight minutes in the match, and doubled their lead in the 28th minute as part of a stunning four-goal first half. 

Asked if the team would be able to look back on this run fondly after everything they had done to get to this point, Veselinović said perhaps in time. Currently, however, there is only one feeling. 

"Right now, it's just painful," said the Whitecaps defender.