Time to plan your life.
In case you missed it, the 2017 MLS regular season schedule was released last Thursday. We already knew about Vancouver’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal vs. New York Red Bulls and MLS season opener vs. Philadelphia Union, but now we know a lot more.
Here are five other home matches you certainly won’t want to miss.
Saturday, March 18 vs. Toronto FC
A Canadian derby match against last year’s MLS Cup runner-up, who also happened to snatch the Voyageurs Cup out of Vancouver’s hands in heartbreaking fashion.
Sign me up.
We should also remind you that last year’s MLS meeting between Vancouver and Toronto resulted in a 4-3 victory for the visiting ‘Caps in one of the most entertaining matches you’ll ever see.
Friday, April 14 vs. Seattle Sounders FC
Matches between Seattle and Vancouver are always must-see events.
Now, more than ever.
The Sounders, of course, will come to BC Place as the reigning MLS Cup champions. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for ‘Caps supporters, but it should only add to the intrigue of this heated Cascadia rivalry. As is always the case with these matches, Seattle will have a large contingent of supporters making the trip. And you know Vancouver’s fan base will come out in numbers.
Who doesn’t love a Friday night out at BC Place?
Saturday, June 3 vs. Atlanta United FC
The season hasn’t even started yet, but Atlanta appear to be the new darlings of MLS.
Or at least the darlings of the offseason.
The expansion side turned heads with the acquisition of Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron, who reportedly drew interest from English Premier League side Arsenal FC before settling on Atlanta. They’re also rumoured to be acquiring Premier League and U.S. international goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
They’re looking pretty good on paper. How will they fare on the pitch?
Wednesday, July 5 vs. New York City FC
Both of Vancouver’s previous meetings against New York City FC were thrilling affairs, but they both ended defeat for the Blue and White – a 2-1 result two years ago and a 3-2 loss last year at Yankee Stadium.
Frank Lampard has since moved on from New York, but they still boast a star-studded roster that features David Villa and Andrea Pirlo.
Will the third time be the charm for Whitecaps FC?
Sunday, July 23 vs. Portland Timbers
This will be Portland’s only visit to BC Place in 2017. Need we say more?
OK, I’ll say a little more.
The Timbers are one of Vancouver’s oldest and fiercest rivals – they’re also expansion cousins, having both joined MLS in 2011. Last year, Whitecaps FC defeated Portland 4-1 in their regular season finale to reclaim the Cascadia Cup and eliminate the Timbers from playoff contention.
Bring on the encore.
Fans can secure their seats to all Vancouver’s home matches by purchasing Season Tickets and becoming a ‘Caps Club Member. Other options include a Half-Season Pack, 5-Pack, and Major Match Pack featuring tickets to Vancouver’s Champions League opener, MLS opener, and Canadian Championship semifinal. Single match tickets will go on sale in February.
For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
