Vancouver Whitecaps Report Widespread Illness After CONCACAF Final in Mexico

Following their 5-0 loss to Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final in Mexico City, a significant number of Vancouver Whitecaps players and staff suffered from a gastrointestinal illness, leading to the cancellation of their Wednesday practice and a limited training session on Thursday. Approximately half of the 75-person contingent, including at least 19 players, reported symptoms, with only seven players unaffected, raising concerns about the team's ability to field a competitive squad for their upcoming match against the Seattle Sounders. The club is closely working with medical professionals and local health authorities to monitor the situation and provide individualized recovery programs for those affected. This outbreak mirrors a similar incident last year when the Columbus Crew experienced gastrointestinal issues following their CONCACAF final in Mexico, which their coach attributed to food poisoning and subsequently called for tournament finals to be held at neutral sites. Despite these setbacks, the Whitecaps currently lead the MLS Western Conference and are preparing for their next league match, though the full impact of the illness on their roster remains uncertain. The recurring illness issues among MLS teams after CONCACAF finals highlight ongoing challenges related to player health and tournament logistics.