Post Match: Heartbreak

Vancouver Whitecaps were defeated 3-1 in the MLS Cup final after a disappointing result against Inter Miami. It all got off to a nightmare start. It was far too easy for Lionel Messi to play a ball behind the Whitecaps defence, and Ocampo played Allende onside before diverting the ball beyond Takaoka and into the Vancouver net to hand Miami the advantage. Being behind before … Continue reading Post Match: Heartbreak

Post Match: Champions of the West

This is not a drill. The Vancouver Whitecaps are Western Conference Champions for the first time ever. Jesper Sørensen’s men produced a scintillating performance from start to finish to book their place in Miami for the MLS Cup Final, with an own goal and a brace from Brian White enough to cap a 3–1 scoreline that does not do a remarkably dominant display justice. It … Continue reading Post Match: Champions of the West

Post Match: Third Time Lucky

Football, hey. Bloody hell. I have not been in Vancouver long, but I have learned one thing from my time in the city: nice things do not happen to Vancouver’s sports teams. However, maybe—just maybe—the tide may be turning, at least in soccer. After Vancouver Rise won the inaugural NSL title, the Whitecaps won what might be the most enthralling playoff game they have ever … Continue reading Post Match: Third Time Lucky

The Surprising Centreback: Ralph Priso

BC Place stadium held its breath as Belal Halbouni struggled to get to his feet following a heavy collision. This was early in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ clash against the Portland Timbers, and with Vancouver under considerable pressure to pick up three points and continue their momentum towards the end of the season, any setback could be a devastating blow to their season. Ordinarily, as he … Continue reading The Surprising Centreback: Ralph Priso

Rayan Elloumi Discusses His Breakthrough Campaign

“He’s one of our own, he’s one of our own! Rayan Elloumi, he’s one of our own!” The song rang out around BC Place stadium after the striker had fired his team in front against San Jose Earthquakes; the Whitecaps faithful showing their appreciation for the forward who has climbed through the ranks of the Vancouver Whitecaps youth academy to become an exciting part of … Continue reading Rayan Elloumi Discusses His Breakthrough Campaign

Post Match: Only One Winner in a Battle Royale

After a physically intensive encounter, the Vancouver Whitecaps emerged victorious after a penalty shootout, to win the Best-of-3 series 2-0 and secure their place in the Western Conference semifinal. Having been outshot 22-0 in the first game, Dallas knew that they had to rectify that statistic with their season on the line, and they started proceedings on top as Peter Musa had efforts denied by … Continue reading Post Match: Only One Winner in a Battle Royale

Match Preview: The Playoffs Begin

After the conclusion of a gruelling 34 game league season, the business end of the campaign starts now. The MLS playoffs begin this weekend, with Vancouver Whitecaps approach starting their quest for MLS Cup against FC Dallas in a tricky first round tie. The two sides met in the final match of the regular season, and a resilient defensive display allowed Dallas to defeat Vancouver … Continue reading Match Preview: The Playoffs Begin

Tate Johnson on his Rookie Season: “I’m super grateful to be in Vancouver”

Although common across North American sports, the idea of drafting players is a completely alien concept to many football followers. With teams having academies designed to develop their superstars, either to be used by the team or sold for profit in the future, most clubs prefer to look internally for their young prodigies rather than at university athletes. With teams like Philadelphia regularly trading away … Continue reading Tate Johnson on his Rookie Season: “I’m super grateful to be in Vancouver”

Post Match: Decision Day Frustration

Vancouver Whitecaps missed out on the top seed in the Western Conference, as they suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to FC Dallas on Decision Day. Vancouver was hoping for a stress-free Decision Day, as after Thomas Müller’s heroics in Orlando, the Whitecaps came into this game knowing that if they avoided defeat (or Portland took at least a point off San Diego), they would end … Continue reading Post Match: Decision Day Frustration

Post Match: Ball Don’t Lie

Thomas Müller scored a 97th-minute winner as Vancouver Whitecaps came from behind to snatch all three points at Orlando City. Orlando took the lead midway through the first half after Dagur Thorhallsson broke free to finish. Vancouver piled pressure onto their hosts, and they eventually found their equaliser as Nelson Pierre notched his first MLS goal for the club, before Müller’s late heroics confirmed the three … Continue reading Post Match: Ball Don’t Lie