Just three years into their history, Vancouver FC have reached the TELUS Canadian Championship semi-final for the first time. They do so as significant underdogs, facing an Atlético Ottawa side who have been a force in league play this season, but also having proven they know how to advance in this competition.
Current form
If anything, Vancouver FC will be looking to use the Canadian Championship as a clean slate from their league form this season. They have won just twice in 18 CPL matches this season, and sit bottom of the table.
The Eagles are, however, just three games in with Martin Nash as their interim head coach — and there have been signs of growth. Most notably, in attack, they have now scored multiple goals in back-to-back games for the first time in over a calendar year. However, their 3-2 loss to rivals Pacific FC on Sunday will sting.
How they got here
Vancouver FC have had quite the road to their first-ever semi-final appearance in the Canadian Championship. In the first round, against Salish Sea Derby rivals Pacific FC back in May, they won on penalties after the initial 90 finished 1-1.
That earned them a match against defending CPL Champions Cavalry FC in the quarter-final, who they came close to beating in the first leg on May 21, before a late Tobias Warschewski equalizer. They also took the lead in the second leg on July 8, but this time an unfortunate own goal forced them to the penalty spot for a second consecutive round. Callum Irving, however, saved Maël Henry's attempt in the sixth round of shots, and booked Vancouver a spot in the semi-final.
Canadian Championship history
Best-ever finish: First Round (2023, 2024)
This year is just Vancouver FC's third in the competition, and by far their most successful. In their first two Canadian Championship appearances, they failed to win or score. In 2023, they lost 1-0 to York United at York Lions Stadium, before falling by that same scoreline against Cavalry FC the following year.
Despite reaching the semi-final round this year, they have still never won a match after 90 minutes in the competition -- advancing twice on penalties. That is something they will be keen to change, especially since they host the first leg of the semi-final on Wednesday at Willoughby Community Park.
Three players to watch
Callum Irving (Goalkeeper)
Vancouver FC's first-ever signing, the experienced Canadian international goalkeeper, has played all but one match in the club's history. An outstanding shot stopper and key leader on this team, he will again be counted upon to make timely saves in the semi-final. He has twice been nominated for the Canadian Premier League's Golden Glove award.
Nicolás Mezquida (Midfielder)
The former Vancouver Whitecap has taken on a starring role this season with Vancouver FC. When the Uruguayan is pulling the strings, they are a remarkably different team. Tactically and technically outstanding, he has four goals in all competitions this season, including against Cavalry FC in the CanChamp quarters.
Thierno Bah (Forward)
The 21-year-old winger is enjoying a breakout campaign with the Eagles. With two goals and four assists, he plays a direct and dynamic style that is thrilling to watch. Capable of beating players on the dribble, while also possessing an outstanding defensive work rate, Bah is a potential gamebreaking player who is only getting better.
Why they can win
Because they have nothing to lose. This run to the semi-final can already be considered a success for the club as it is by far its furthest foray in the competition so far. They also don't have the weight of expectation on them that Atlético Ottawa, or certainly even the three-time defending Champion Vancouver Whitecaps or Forge FC will feel. They are also incredibly battle-tested, especially in close games and penalties, more than any other club remaining in this competition. They also now have a coach, Martin Nash, who is experienced in this competition, both as a player with the Vancouver Whitecaps and during his coaching with York United.
