Any fan who’s had the opportunity to make a trip to see the ‘Caps play on the road knows that it’s quite the experience, especially down the I-5 against Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC. Our very own Joshua Nanavaty had yet to have that opportunity. That was until this weekend, when he went down to Seattle with a camera strapped to his head.
Here’s what unfolded …
The sun was barely out as I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to hop into the car and head down the I-5 for my first experience as a travelling ‘Caps supporter. I saw on twitter that the Sounders were expecting a crowd of 55,000+ at the match. I was excited, having been to Seattle many times before for football games where Century Link Field was just rocking, so I was expecting nothing less for this Cascadia Cup derby match.
My friend, who is a Whitecaps FC season ticket holder and hardcore supporter of the club, had been telling me all about the atmosphere in the stands during these Cascadia games. I got to experience the Cascadia rivalry in May when Seattle came to BC Place, and what an atmosphere it was. You could feel the electricity in the stands, and I knew it would be much the same with over 1,500 ‘Caps fans on the road.
We heard that members of the Southsiders, Rain City Brigade and Curva Collective would be at an Irish pub in Seattle close to the stadium called Fados with members of Gorilla FC and Emerald City Supporters (Sounders supporters groups), so we made our way down to soak in the atmosphere. What’s better before a match than a pint and some friendly banter with some rival supporters?
I must say, traveling to support the ‘Caps on the road was a ton of fun and a trip that I will not soon forget. It’s something every sports fan should experience.
Portland, anyone?
