VANCOUVER, BC – 17 matches down, 17 to go.
The 'Caps reach the halfway mark of the season, finding themselves in playoff position with a 7W-7L-3D record. Don't let the even record fool you - it's been nothing but, as the team and their fans have been on a roller-coaster ride all year.
If the first four months are any indication, we should buckle up for one heck of a finish.
Here's a look back on the best, as well as the most uncomfortably awkward, moments of the first half of 2016:
BEST GOAL
It's not quite clear which Blas Pérez perfected first - his stunning goals, or his flair for the dramatic?
With the game tied in the dying minutes last May 11, Chicago Fire learned that the answer does not matter.
It's a vicious cycle after all.
BEST RUN
Is Scooter the most aptly nicknamed player in MLS?
It's hard to disagree, as he showed his wheels against Philadelphia just last weekend, racing 65 yards through the Union defence before blasting in a goal from outside the box.
Asked why he didn't show much emotion after the highlight-worthy score? "I just made a long run, I didn't have the energy to celebrate," Manneh shyly admitted.
Speaking of going coast-to-coast, this Vancouver versus Toronto rivalry is a real thing. This past Wednesday makes that an understatement.
But earlier this season in MLS play, the two sides put on a show, with Manneh matching defending MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco goal for goal, and David Ousted churning another one of his signature penalty kick stops.
It was a barn-burner at BMO Field, with the 'Caps coming out victorious, 4-3 over Toronto FC.
BEST PERFORMANCE
What do you do when someone takes something away from you?
You bring the fight to them the next time you meet.
That's what the 'Caps did on May 7, defeating rival Portland Timbers 2-1 in their first matchup since last year's playoff exit against the eventual champs. Newcomers Masato Kudo and Christian Bolaños looked very much like the missing pieces from last year's run, providing the scoring that Vancouver previously sorely needed.
The 'Caps 26 shots in that match is the second-highest single-game total in the league so far. It's fair to say the boys came out swinging.
BEST CELEBRATION
Staying in the Portland game, Kudo brought the fight alright. And he brought it like how he knew it - going all sumo style on the sideline with buddy-cop partner Pa-Modou Kah, after opening his 'Caps account.
This one's hard, like having to pick your favourite ice cream.
David Ousted's 62 saves leads MLS. Isn't that twice the number of flavours they have at Baskin Robbins?
The stop against LA Galaxy takes the cake - stopping Gyasi Zardes at point-blank, with... his face?
MOST AWKWARD HANDSHAKE
When it's not busy making saves, Ousted's face also gives out pre-game
fist
face-bumps, obviously.
Best awkward hug #WhitecapsFCpic.twitter.com/70tDCOkqTN
— Mike Martignago (@MikeMartignago) June 18, 2016
WFC2 BEST MOVE
Whitecaps FC 2 get their shine here too, as they find themselves atop the Western Conference at the halfway mark of the USL season.
They've done it in style. Just peep Kadin Chung's spin cycle move to set up Kyle Greig for the score.
YOUNGEST TO DO EVERYTHING
In case you missed it, Alphonso Davies has been setting all kinds of records.
The 15-year-old WFC2 player became the youngest player in USL, youngest player to score a goal in USL history, youngest to appear for the first team, and youngest to appear in an Amway Canadian Championship match.
What's next for the kid, and the 'Caps?
Stay tuned for the rest of the season to find out.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
