These two sides have made contrasting starts to the 2025 MLS campaign, with the Vancouver Whitecaps among the early frontrunners.
The hosts have won both of their opening league games and are second in the Western Conference. They’re also progressing well in the Concacaf Champions League, drawing 1-1 with Monterrey in the first leg of their last-16 clash in midweek.
Opponents Montreal are having a much tougher time. Not only did they lose all of their preseason matches, but that form has carried into the campaign with two defeats from two in MLS. Is another loss on the way?
- BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
- BRIAN WHITE TO SCORE ANYTIME
- VANCOUVER WHITECAPS TO WIN 2-1
Defenses To Be Kept Busy
The Whitecaps are hoping that new coach Jesper Sorensen can take them to the next level, having exited the playoffs in the first round last year. He’s made a bright start, with a 4-1 victory at the Portland Timbers and a 2-1 win over defending champions LA Galaxy.
However, Sorensen’s first five games have seen both teams score on four occasions. The early signs are good going forward, but last season the Whitecaps scored and conceded 26 times across their 17 home MLS games. It seems they’re still vulnerable defensively.
Montreal scored 20 times on their travels last term and they should be confident of finding the net in this trip. Academy product Nathan Saliba and summer addition Prince Owusu have both been on the scoresheet for this young side, while they’ve created 2.7 Expected Goals across their opening two games.
BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Brian In White-Hot Form
The Whitecaps have more experience in the final third, particularly 29-year-old forward Brian White. The USMNT international scored for his country in January and he’s been bright of late, scoring twice in a Champions League victory over Deporitvo Saprissa.
He netted a late winner against LA Galaxy in their last MLS game, so the forward is already off and running as he seeks to drop the 16 strikes he’s had in each of the previous two MLS campaigns with the Whitecaps.
White has scored in four consecutive meetings between these two sides and he’s a worthy favourite in the betting markets here. The striker netted the opener in the previous three encounters between the pair and he’s a tempting first goalscorer option, but he’s also available to score anytime at odds-against.
BRIAN WHITE TO SCORE ANYTIME
Whitecaps Can Edge Victory
The Whitecaps head into this game as favourites for the points and their perfect start to the new MLS campaign should continue. Montreal are the weakest side that Vancouver has faced so far, with the visitors losing their opening two trips this season after suffering defeats in nine of their 17 away matches in 2024.
Montreal lost five of their eight toughest trips last season, which justifies their long odds here. Vancouver are looking like a top MLS side at this early stage and even if they tail off long term, the confidence behind them should lead them to a third win on the bounce.
With the hosts juggling multiple competitions we don’t see them running away with this one, so a 2-1 win for the Whitecaps is our correct score prediction.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS TO WIN 2-1
