CONCACAF Champions Cup: Saprissa stuns Whitecaps in last seconds

Field Level Media|published: 02/20/2025, 11:02pm EST

Nov 3, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld (25) plays the ball in the first half against the LAFC in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Ariel Rodriguez fired home a goal in the final seconds, lifting Saprissa to a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Thursday in San Jose, Costa Rica, in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup opening-round series.

The two-match, total-goals series will conclude on Feb. 27 in Vancouver. The winner will advance to oppose Mexico's Monterrey in the round of 16 next month.

Last in second-half stoppage time, Saprissa's Jefry Valverde received a pass in the right side of the penalty area and half-volleyed a shot that was accidentally blocked by Rodriguez. However, Rodriguez was able to control the rebound, turn and fire the ball into the net.

The goal completed a comeback by the hosts, who trailed after the Whitecaps' Ryan Gauld scored in the 21st minute. On a counterattack, Ali Ahmed rolled the ball across the top of the 18-yard box to Gauld, who fired a right-footed shot in the bottom right corner.

Saprissa pulled level in the 51st minute when Mariano Torres blasted a 30-yard goal, the right-footed attempt sailing into the far side of the net.

--Field Level Media