After back-to-back results against Houston Dynamo and New York Red Bulls, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to extend their two-match unbeaten streak, as they enter the final stages of their inaugural MLS campaign.
With LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders FC, and Portland Timbers ready to feature as opponents for an extended Pacific region clash, a dynamic month of soccer, trophies, closures, and passion is ready to explode around heightened enthusiasm for the opening of Bell Pitch downtown at BC Place.
This weekend, Whitecaps FC travel to Southern California to battle the Galaxy at The Home Depot Center. The 'Caps will be looking to avenge a 4-0 defeat to 'Los Galacticos' on July 30. Landon Donovan scored twice at Empire Field that day, while David Beckham missed the trip to Vancouver through suspension. This week, the 'Caps will face Republic of Ireland international captain and former English Premier League goalscorer Robbie Keane. Since Keane’s arrival in LA on August 15, the Galaxy are 1W-0L-1D in MLS action and 2W-0L-0D in CONCACAF Champions League 'Group Stage' play. The trio consisting of Keane, Beckham, and Donovan continue to shine brightly across MLS, with Los Angeles already clinching a playoff berth and leading a well-contested Western Conference with an impressive 15W-3L-10D record.
After the battle in sunny California, Whitecaps FC will return home for one of the most important matches this season. With the Saturday, September 24, fixture serving as Whitecaps FC's last match at Empire Field, a Pacific Northwest showdown will be the attraction, as Seattle will make their first MLS visit to Vancouver in what will be the latest clash for the Cascadia Cup. Currently second in the Western Conference standings, Sounders FC find themselves in the driver's seat of the 2011 Cascadia Cup table. The upcoming fixture also highlights a re-match of the June 11 match at Seattle's CenturyLink Field that resulted in a 2-2 draw. 'Caps striker Eric Hassli scorched Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller for two goals, including his world-class finish in the 85th minute. With Seattle looking to remain ahead of FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference standings, Vancouver will also be hoping to boost their chances of lifting the Cascadia Cup with a big result over their Washington State foes. Whitecaps FC fans will not want to miss this opportunity, as the match will be a historic night at Empire Field and another memorable moment in Vancouver sports history.
A week later, Whitecaps FC will put their Empire Field days behind them and enter a new era on Bell Pitch downtown at BC Place. Hosting another Pacific Northwest rival in Portland Timbers, the new BC Place stadium should ignite a glorious afternoon of entertainment and emotion, with the conclusion of this year's Cascadia Cup possibly on the line. In their last meeting, Portland defeated Vancouver 2-1 at JELD-WEN Field back on August 20. With Portland owning a 1W-8L-4D road record and battling for the 10th and final playoff spot, the Sunday, October 2, match-up should be an unforgettable afternoon in downtown Vancouver, with the 'Caps hoping to 'protect their turf'.
So with three quality matches set to take place in three different venues across a three-week time span, Whitecaps FC fans will experience an exciting month of unforgettable soccer action and intense rivalry.
