Visiting Earthquakes hand Whitecaps first loss of regular season

San Jose Earthquakes' Beau Leroux, back, kicks the ball, to score, as Vancouver Whitecaps' Aziel Jackson (22) defends during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Vancouver, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

The Vancouver Whitecaps dropped a 1-0 decision to the San Jose Earthquakes at BC Place on Saturday night.

The defeat marks the Whitecaps first loss of the 2026 regular season and leaves the team in second place in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference.

The ‘Caps had a number of chances to open the scoring in the first half but couldn’t get any shots past San Jose goalkeeper Daniel.

Beau Leroux opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time when he drilled a shot into the top of the Whitecaps goal from outside the area.

Despite dominating time of possession 61 per cent to 39 per cent, and managing six shots on goal to the ‘Quakes two, the Whitecaps could not find the equalizer.

“We got to the situations we wanted but we did not profit because we didn’t play with the right quality in the last parts of the pitch,” said Vancouver coach Jesper Sorenson.

“They made it difficult. We had our chances but did not make them.”

Vancouver now has four wins and one loss on the season and have outscored opponents 14 to 2.

The ‘Caps next match is April 4 when they host the Portland Timbers.