Sørensen, Blackmon, Berhalter, White headline MLS Team of the Matchday 3

VANCOUVER, BC – Major League Soccer announced on Monday that Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Jesper Sørensen, centre back Tristan Blackmon, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and forward Brian White have been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 3 thanks to their performances in the 'Caps dominant 4-1 away victory over Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers at Providence Park.

Dating back to last season, this is the fourth time Sørensen has received recognition on the MLS Team of the Matchday (Matchday 4, Matchday 8, Matchday 33). Saturday night marked a monumental win for the Dane, as he claimed his 30th win as head coach of the club while helping the team set a new club MLS-era shutout streak to start a season at 432 minutes across all competitions. In addition, it also marked the second consecutive season the 'Caps tally a perfect 3W-0L-0D record through their first three matches of the regular season.

Reigning MLS Defender of the Year and Best XI selection Blackmon once again showed his prowess as one of the league's best, as he posted eight clearances, five recoveries, one successful tackle, and one successful duel. He also came up with the game-winning goal, nodding home his own rebound from close range to score his first goal of the season and his 10th all-time for the 'Caps. This is Blackmon's first selection to the Team of the Matchday this season.

Saturday was also a match that saw Berhalter showcase his Best XI status in the league, as he had a hand in three of Vancouver's four goals. Berhalter assisted White's opening goal, put the cross in for Blackmon's initial effort before scoring, and found the back of the net himself in the 64th minute for his second goal across all competitions. The midfielder also had 82% passing accuracy, tallied two chances created, nine successful duels, six tackles, six recoveries, and two interceptions. This marked Berhalter's second selection to the Team of the Matchday this season (Matchday 1).

Lastly, White had a brace to bring him up to 98 goal contributions across all competitions for Whitecaps FC (82 goals, 16 assists), two shy of becoming the first player in the club's MLS era to reach 100. In scoring his brace, White recorded his eighth and ninth goals against Portland in 'Caps colours, his most against one sole opponent. He also continues to be the highest scoring North American in MLS play (including playoffs) with 69 goals since joining Whitecaps FC in 2021. This is White's first selection to the Team of the Matchday this season.

MLS Team of the Matchday 3

F: Sam Surridge (NSH), Brian White (VAN), Rafael Navarro (COL)
M: Pep Biel (CLT), Keaton Parks (NYC), Maxi Moralez (NYC), Wikelman Carmona (MTL)
D: Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (SEA), Tristan Blackmon (VAN), Zavier Gozo (RSL)
GK: Chris Brady (CHI)

Coach: Jesper Sørensen (VAN)

Bench: Thomas Gillier (MTL), Richie Laryea (TOR), Patrick Yazbek (NSH), Sebastian Berhalter (VAN), Alexey Miranchuk (ATL), David Martínez (LAFC), Anders Dreyer (SD), Timo Werner (SJ), Darren Yapi (COL)

The 'Caps are now set for a pair of important home matches at BC Place as they look to build on their early season success.

First up, the Blue and White will do battle with another Cascadia foe, this time in the form of Seattle Sounders FC in the Round of 16, First Leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Kickoff on Thursday, March 12 at BC Place is set for 7 p.m. PT - WATCH: OneSoccer, FuboTV, TELUS channel 980.

The 'Caps will then return to MLS regular season action with a Western Conference clash against Minnesota United FC on Sunday, March 15 at BC Place. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. PT - WATCH: Apple TV | LISTEN: 730 CKNW (English), Connect FM 91.5 (Punjabi)

Tickets for both matches are available at www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets.