The Vancouver Whitecaps are coming off a historic season.
It’s a shame the season ended on a heartbreaking note with the MLS Cup loss to Inter Miami. Despite this, the Whitecaps set multiple franchise records, made the final of every competition they’ve been in, and reached their furthest point ever in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The journey was a fun season, full of ups and downs, setting the stage for individual player performances.
Yes, it is that time of year again. If you are new here, every year I do two player ratings for the Whitecaps, one at midseason and one at the end of the season. My rating out of 10 reflects each player’s consistency, impact in key moments, growth over the season, and overall contribution to team success. I then explain the rating in five sentences or fewer. Sounds simple, right?
One thing to note is that players who haven’t played much will not get a rating and are considered: N/A or I. Those players are Joedrick Pupe, Nelson Pierre, Giuseppe Bovalina, Sam Adekugbe, Ryan Gauld (Unfortunately), and Liam Mackenzie.
Without further ado, let’s get on with it. And of course, you are allowed to agree or disagree and argue with me about my ratings as you please.
Goalkeepers
Yohei Takaoka: 9/10
Sure, there were times when he gave up goals that were ugly, but Takaoka was one of the MLS’s top goalkeepers this year. He was the league leader in clean sheets (Yes, having a strong defence also helped), was an All-Star, and his distribution was essential to the Whitecaps success. It will be interesting to see if he re-signs or not. Whitecaps Sporting Director and CEO Axel Schuster told Sportsnet 650’s Halford and Brough on Friday that there is a 50/50 chance the Japanese goalkeeper comes back.
Isaac Boehmer: 7/10
Boehmer mainly played in the Canadian Championship this year. He made plenty of good saves, but there were goals that he would want back, particularly in matches against Valour and Forge. To put it lightly, his ability to make low saves near the posts needs work. With Boehmer signing a new deal until 2027 with an option for 2028, there are more opportunities to prove himself with the Whitecaps.
Defenders
Tristan Blackmon: 10/10
Blackmon was named the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year, and it was well deserved. He was also an All-Star, named to the MLS Best XI and earned his first USMNT call-up. Blackmon was consistently a great defender with his blocks, clearances and ability to start the transition from the back. And who could forget this goal?
Ranko Veselinovic: 9/10
It’s a shame Veselinovic’s season ended after he suffered an ACL injury in July. Once again, he and Blackmon formed a formidable partnership. The Serbian defender displayed leadership, clearances and big tackles when the ‘Caps needed him the most. Hopefully, Veselinovic comes back even stronger in 2026.
Mathias Laborda: 9/10
Laborda played RB, CB and LB, and for the most part did well. He was instrumental in the playoffs, and his aerial ability was vital to the Whitecaps. The Uruguayan defender showcased his versatility and tenacity all season.
Belal Halbouni: 7/10
It took some time, but Halbouni eventually grew into the game. After being mainly left off the starting XI for most of the season, he had a rough start when he finally got integrated in August. Then he finally got settled in and became a big and calm presence at the back. Thankfully, the injury he suffered against LAFC isn’t as serious as initially feared.
Edier Ocampo: 8/10
Ocampo proved his worth this season. His crosses, agility and pace down the right flank were a big part of the Whitecaps’ build-up. There are times when he gets caught flat-footed defensively, but Ocampo has progressed very well.
Tate Johnson: 8/10
Johnson wasn’t expected to play this many minutes, but he made the most out of the opportunities he got. There was a sense of maturity in his game with his passing, tackling and runs down the flank. Yes, there is some defensive stuff that needs to be worked on, but that’s normal for a 20-year-old left-back.
Midfielders and Wingers
Sebastian Berhalter: 10/10
Berhalter established himself as one of the core players of the Whitecaps. He was everywhere offensively, defensively, scored bangers and made excellent deliveries. It’s no wonder that he was an All-Star, named to the MLS Best XI and got his first call-ups for the US. But will he be a Whitecap beyond 2026?
Andres Cubas: 9/10
Other than costly mistakes in the CONCACAF Championship Cup and MLS Cup finals, Cubas was his usual self. In nearly every game he played, his ball-winning ability was on full display. He is a vital part of this team and would be tough to replace if he were to be sold. However, Schuster said on Thursday’s Sekeres and Price show that the Whitecaps have not received any offers on Cubas, despite recent reports out of Brazil.
Ralph Priso: 8/10
Priso had his struggles in 2024, but showed big improvements in 2025. In the midfield, he kept his game simple with his tackles and limited the giveaways. However, Priso came through in a huge way as a CB down the regular season stretch and in the playoffs. It is nice for any team to have a player who can be relied on in different areas of the pitch.
Jeevan Badwal: 7/10
The young midfielder from Surrey got plenty of minutes this year. Even when he was used as a substitute, Badwal’s defensive abilities, work rate and passes were on point. He’s also got really good ball control. Badwal is someone to watch with great interest in 2026 and beyond.
JC Ngando: 7/10
Ngando was sidelined for the latter part of the season. But he did look solid when he did play. His defensive abilities and creativity looked pretty good. It would be nice if he would shoot more, though.
Kenji Cabrera: 7/10
Cabrera is also someone to watch with great interest. Used sporadically since he signed from FCB Melgar, Cabrera showed his potential. He was very quick and strong to get around defenders, and his playmaking was solid. 2026 offers a ton of growth.
Ali Ahmed: 9/10
Ahmed had his ups and downs early in the season, but got better over time, especially after his September Canada MNT call-up. Ahmed’s speed and agility down the wing were a sight to behold. He had a career-high 11 assists (MLS regular season and playoffs), and despite his chance creation, scored one goal, which came in the MLS Cup Final. At this rate, it is hard to imagine Ahmed still in a Whitecaps jersey beyond the 2026 World Cup.
Jayden Nelson: 6/10
Nelson exploded on the scene with a goal and three assists on opening day in Portland. But he’s up and down since then. Nelson has got the speed, but not enough goal contributions, as he managed one goal and two assists in the regular season since opening day. Inconsistency and poor decision-making have been Nelson’s faults.
Emmanuel Sabbi: 8/10
Sabbi was also inconsistent for the first half of the season. However, he turned things all the way up in the late summer and fall stretch and in the playoffs. He was excellent at bursting through defenders and managed to get 12 goal contributions (eight goals, four assists) in the entire MLS season. (Regular season and playoffs.)
Thomas Müller: 10/10
Not much needs to be said. Ever since he arrived, Thomas Müller made a good team great and was great for the locker room and embraced the city and the fans. A full year of the Raumdeuter is a big reason why Whitecaps fans should be excited for the 2026 season.
Strikers
Brian White: 9/10
White had 16 goals in the regular season (career high) and a brace in the Western Conference final against San Diego. He continued to be one of the best strikers in MLS and even got an All-Star nod (and scored in the All-Star game) and got called up to the USMNT. You have to wonder what would’ve happened if White was fully healthy in the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs.
Daniel Rios: 3/10
Rios scored just four goals in all competitions with the Whitecaps, and that is not what the club was expecting when he signed on loan from CD Guadalajara. He just wasn’t getting into the right areas for a scoring chance and was missing chances. It’s no surprise the Whitecaps declined his purchase option.
Rayan Elloumi: 7/10
Elloumi is a player with high potential. It’s hard not to see why with his pace, agility and ability to find space to score. He could be a solid option behind White next year.
