Cavalry FC Shocks MLS Teams with Upset Victory in Champions Cup

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — In a stunning turn of events, Calgary’s Cavalry FC claimed a dramatic victory in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup series against a formidable Mexico City team on Feb. 7, 2025. The triumph marks a significant milestone for the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and highlights the growing competitiveness of Canadian soccer.

Cavalry FC, known for its underdog spirit, faced a daunting challenge, falling behind early in the match. However, resilient play led to an impressive comeback, sealing a 2-1 win. This victory is particularly noteworthy as Cavalry had not played a competitive match since November 2023 and won’t resume league action until early April.

“Coming from a goal down against such a strong opponent shows the depth and potential of our squad,” Cavalry head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said following the match. “We’re excited to make our mark on this stage and prove that we belong here.”

This accomplishment comes amid a challenging preseason for Major League Soccer‘s (MLS) Canadian teams, including Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and CF Montreal. These clubs have struggled with management changes, injuries, and inconsistent performance. The Whitecaps recently parted ways with head coach Vanni Sartini and transferred key player Stuart Armstrong shortly after he joined the team, raising concerns about their upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Toronto FC is navigating a tumultuous transition under a third head coach, reflecting broader issues that have beset the team in recent years. According to sources, the team’s high-profile stars, such as Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, are battling age and injuries as they attempt to redefine their roles within the squad.

CF Montreal, which showed promise in its inaugural season under Laurent Courtois, has also entered the preseason without securing impactful signings, limiting expectations for a playoff run this year.

The disparity in recent successes on the field between CPL teams like Cavalry and their MLS counterparts speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of soccer in Canada. MLS clubs, with their larger budgets and infrastructure, hold significant advantages in terms of player acquisition and market presence. However, the Champions Cup provides a platform for CPL clubs to demonstrate their capabilities on a continental stage.

Cavalry’s victory serves as a reminder to Canada’s MLS teams that the CPL teams are not to be overlooked. “We wish them well in the second leg,” said Toronto FC’s general manager, who has been visibly impressed by Cavalry’s performance. “They’ve set an example, and we need to consider this as motivation.”

The growing profile of Canadian soccer was further emphasized by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada will co-host. Despite a marked improvement in the national team’s talent pool, the Canadian soccer structure faces ongoing challenges. While the league system has improved since Toronto FC joined MLS in 2007, concerns linger about the overall quality and competitiveness of the country’s soccer landscape.

For many Canadian soccer fans, Cavalry’s Champions Cup success rekindles hope for a more vibrant soccer culture across the nation. “This win is a testament to what we can achieve, not just as a team but as part of a bigger soccer community in Canada,” Wheeldon Jr. added. The upcoming second leg in Mexico City is set to be a pivotal moment for Cavalry FC and the CPL as they continue their campaign to challenge the established order in North American soccer.