Laborda and White score goals, Whitecaps extend best start in club history, beat NYCFC 2-0
Vancouver Whitecaps' Mathias Laborda (2) and Tristan Blackmon (33) celebrate after Laborda's goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against New York City FC in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 11, 2026. Credit: AP/DARRYL DYCK
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Mathias Laborda and Brian White each scored a goal on Saturday, Yohei Takaoka had his fourth shutout of the season, and the Vancouver Whitecaps beat New York City FC 2-0.
The Whitecaps (6-1-0) are off to their best start in club history (MLS era).
Matt Freese had eight saves for NYCFC (3-2-2).
Laborda opened the scoring in the 45th minute. Sebastian Berhalter played an arcing free kick to the center of the area and Laborda put away a leaping volley.
Berhalter leads the team with nine goal contributions (four goals, five assists) this season.
White flicked home a diving header, off an entry pass played by Bruno Caicedo, to cap the scoring in the 87th minute.
The Whitecaps outshot NYCFC 23-12, 10-2 on target.
New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese (49) stops Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White (not shown) during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, April 11, 2026. Credit: AP/DARRYL DYCK
The teams played for the first time since a 1-1 tie on Sept. 2, 2023.
Vancouver went into the game leading MLS in goals scored with 17, while New York City (14) was tied with Dallas for second.
