9/16 - Semifinals

Semifinals Leg 2

CF Montréal hosts Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals on Wednesday. The first leg ended 1-1 after goals from Dani Pereira and Ryan Gauld. If the score is level after 90 minutes, the teams proceed to 30 minutes of extra time and a penalty shootout if needed. So, it's all to play for in Montréal. The winner will face Forge FC in late October for a chance to hoist the Voyageurs Cup.

The 'Caps have been up-and-down of late, struggling to put together a string of results and separate themselves from the rest of the Western Conference. Part of this issue is inconsistent wing play. Whether it's a lack of dynamism or inability to execute the final ball, the Whitecaps haven't had the threat out wide they did at the start of the year. What has been working for the Whitecaps is their play in central midfield. Andres Cubas has been outstanding against in 2026, and Ryan Gauld is looking about as good as we've seen from him since 2024, when he was one of MLS' best players. Getting their captain back to his energetic and creative best is a huge boost for Vancouver, and he will be a big part of this team if they are to go all the way in the Canadian Championship. CF Montréal, for their part, are in poor form as well. They've slipped to the bottom of the Eastern Conference in the last couple weeks, which puts an even bigger emphasis on this competition. And to their credit, they've put themselves in a great spot. Montréal will back themselves at Stade Saputo to frustrate the Whitecaps and find their way to a result. Getting Wiki Carmona back gives Owusu much needed support in attack as they look to take advantage of Vancouver's high defensive line. Whether he's making good runs into the channels or bringing others into the play, Owusu will be critical as Montréal's outlet in this match. Whoever advances will welcome the reigning CPL champions to their building with the Canadian Championship on the line.