Upon learning his team will face Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Vancouver FC president Rob Friend described the match as “David versus Goliath” at a Tuesday night watch party in Langley at the Camp Beer Co. Craft brewery.
“Who would have thought, you know, three and a half, four years ago, when we launched this club, that we’re [going to be] playing the monster of Cruz Azul,” Friend told the several dozen fans, players and team officials who turned out to watch the televised draw held in Miami, Florida.
“That’s pretty wild, right?” Friend commented. “I get chills just thinking about that. I was nervous, very nervous watching that. But a bit of a surreal experience, I’m not going to lie.”
Langley watch party sees Vancouver FC draw one of the toughest teams, Cruz Azul, for Concacaf Champions Cup pic.twitter.com/lp1wxmhszh
— Langley Advance Times (@LangleyTimes) December 10, 2025
Cruz Azul is considered one of the toughest teams in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football.
One of the Big Four Mexican teams, Cruz Azul is the most successful club in the history of the CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League, with seven wins and two runner-up finishes.
Their most recent win was against the Vancouver Whitecaps, who were crushed 5-0 by Cruz Azul at the Concacaf Champions Cup final this year in Mexico City.
Whitecaps were also in the Concacaf draw, and will play their first game against Club Sport Cartaginés from Costa Rica.
“The Caps are getting a no-name and we’re getting a monster,” Friend commented.
Vancouver FC clinched its spot in the competition after finishing as Canadian Championship runners-up, with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC already qualifying through both Major League Soccer and the National Cup.
During the “town hall” chat after the announcement, attendees were told it appears the game could take place in Langley, but that will depend on Concacaf and whether there were issues with the winter weather or Willoughby stadium facility.
There were hints that a decision on a new head coach for VFC has been made, and it was likely Martin Nash, who took over late in the season when Afshin Ghotbi was fired, but the official announcement was not expected right away.
Concacaf Champions Cup features the best teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean to crown a regional champion, and is a qualifier for the next FIFA Club World Cup.
Round one of the Concacaf Champions Cup will commence in February, with exact dates still to be determined.