Vancouver Whitecaps’ Poor Form Continues with Shock Leagues Cup Loss

Written By Gareth Hinton | Published at August 9, 2026

Aug 7, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; FC Juarez forward Javier Aquino (20) slide tackles Vancouver Whitecaps FC defense Edier Ocampo (18) during the second half during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Vancouver Whitecaps FC crashed to another defeat on Friday night, losing at home to Mexican side FC Juarez in the Leagues Cup.

MLS has always been the priority, but the Caps have been disappointing in the Leagues Cup. Can the Canadians return to winning form in the league next weekend?

Another Bad Night at BC Place

Vancouver is realistically eliminated from the Leagues Cup after suffering two defeats out of two. In the opening round, Jesper Sorensen’s side suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to debutant Atlante.

Vancouver appeared to have made progress when Jeevan Badwal scored just 12 minutes into the match against Juarez. The home team made a strong start but failed to kick on, as Ettson Ayon levelled for the away side before the break.

The Blue-and-White never got going in the second period, and Sorensen’s troops fell behind when Oscar Estupinan netted with 14 minutes to go. Ricardinho’s last-gasp goal completed the scoring.

The Whitecaps are now winless in six league and cup fixtures, losing three and drawing three. The Canadians have not won a game in any competition since returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup break.

Caps Desperate to Return to Winning Ways

Despite the recent issues, Vancouver is still flying in MLS, winning ten of 17 to sit proudly at the summit of the Western Conference table. The Canadian club is level on points with Los Angeles FC, having played two games fewer.

That said, Vancouver has not won in MLS since a 4-2 victory at FC San Diego in May. After returning from the extended international break, the Caps have lost to FC Cincinnati and tied with Minnesota United and LAFC.

Next up for Vancouver in MLS is a trip to Lumen Field to face Seattle Sounders FC next weekend. Sorensen and his boys will be desperate to get back to winning ways in the league, but Seattle is never an easy place to visit.