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Vancouver FC has secured a spot in the 2025 Canadian Championship final. On Thursday, at TD Place Stadium, Atlético Ottawa won the match 1-0, but could not overturn the 3-2 aggregate score from the two-legged semifinal. The home team’s goal came from David Rodriguez in the closing minutes of the first half.
Despite controlling over 75% of possession, Atlético Ottawa was unable to score enough goals to reach the final. Brazilian players stood out on both sides: Michel, formerly of Fortaleza, for Vancouver FC, and Gabriel Antinoro, a Brazilian-Canadian who has never played professionally in Brazil, for Atlético Ottawa.
Historic all-British Columbia final
With this victory, the 2025 Canadian Championship final will be an all-British Columbia showdown, featuring Vancouver FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps, the reigning three-time champions. The decisive match will take place at BC Place on October 1, promising an exciting celebration for local fans and wide media attention.
Vancouver FC’s road to the final
Vancouver FC has demonstrated consistency throughout the tournament:
- Preliminary round: Eliminated Pacific FC on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
- Quarterfinals: Drew 1-1 at home against Cavalry FC and won in penalties in Alberta.
- Semifinal: Started strong with a 3-1 victory over Atlético Ottawa in the first leg. Despite a 1-0 loss in the return leg, Vancouver FC advanced with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Whitecaps enter final as favorites
The Vancouver Whitecaps, three-time defending Canadian Championship winners, entered the tournament in the quarterfinals. They eliminated Valour FC after a 2-2 draw in Winnipeg and a 2-1 home victory. In the semifinals, they drew 2-2 with Forge FC in Ontario before dominating the return leg with a 4-0 win in Vancouver, confirming their status as favorites for the final.
