Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2025 Season Preview

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Major League Soccer

·17 February 2025

By MLSsoccer staff

Strength: In Ryan Gauld and Brian White, the 'Caps have a pair of reliable, high-level attackers. In Andrés Cubas, they have a reliable, high-level d-mid, and they have a reliable backline behind him. That high floor means they’ve made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs three of the past four years.
Weakness: A low ceiling means they are never there for long. The guy who was supposed to raise it – Stuart Armstrong – is already gone, as is long-time head coach Vanni Sartini. Lots of uncertainty and very little depth.

Stuart Armstrong: The veteran Scottish international was transferred to EFL Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, opening a Designated Player slot.
Fafà Picault: The Haitian international winger had his contract option declined after being Vancouver's third-leading scorer in 2024. He signed with Inter Miami via free agency.
Ryan Raposo: The versatile midfielder remains out of contract after five seasons in Vancouver.
Alessandro Schöpf: The Austrian midfielder had his contract option declined following two-and-a-half seasons with Vancouver. He signed with Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Jayden Nelson: The former Toronto FC homegrown arrives from Norwegian top-flight side Rosenborg BK. Nelson has two goals in five caps with Canada.
Emmanuel Sabbi: A former USMNT forward, Sabbi was acquired from French Ligue 1 side Le Harve. He's also played extensively in the Danish Superliga.
Full roster