Vancouver FC's Hollywood run in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship came to a heartbreaking end in a 4-2 loss to provincial rivals Vancouver Whitecaps in the final on Wednesday night at BC Place.
But against one of the best teams in North America, the Canadian Premier League club went down swinging, giving a solid account of themselves and fighting until the final whistle. There were a few exceptional performances from the Eagles on the night as well, none more so than 21-year-old Ottawa native Thierno Bah.
In the 35th minute, with his side down 2-0, Bah won the ball in midfield, directing it into the path of Nicolas Mézquida. He then made a run in between two Whitecaps defenders, and the Uruguayan slipped him into the box with a perfect pass that Bah latched onto and beautifully curled past Whitecaps' goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer with the outside of his boot.
Bah, who left the nation's capital in 2020 to join the Whitecaps Academy before playing two seasons for Whitecaps 2, was outstanding all night against his former club. He added an assist in the 85th minute, completed two dribbles, won nine of 15 duels and four fouls.
"He was good in possession, he was lively, pressed well, he's an extremely talented young player," said Vancouver FC head coach Martin Nash. "He's an extremely young player, and a goal and an assist today, which was, it's just phenomenal."
"I think he was fantastic," Nash later added. "I think he's one that could play at a higher level. He still needs to improve, absolutely...but I think he has the tools, the mentality to play at another level."
Bah finished this year's tournament with a goal and three assists. He has a pair of goals and six assists in Canadian Premier League action this season.
Even having shone on such a big stage, however, Bah was bitterly disappointed to have seen such a special run falter at the final hurdle. That, in and of itself, is further proof of his competitive character.
"He was really upset after the game," said Nash. "He's a winner. He wants to win, and it's tough to take right? You get this opportunity, and it's tough for guys when you see a trophy there, and you don't quite get there."
Before the match, however, Bah made it clear that a big goal for Vancouver FC in this final was to put the club on the map. Consider that accomplished, and in the process, Bah announced himself to a national audience as well.