VANCOUVER, BC – Football is a constant.
Every burst into the final third and every last-ditch tackle in every match has the potential to etch itself in history. Combine that with the passion of fans in the stands, it brings together the passion of our beautiful game.
In 2023, Vancouver Whitecaps FC have put in several memorable performances in front of the home fans at BC Place.
With 2024 Whitecaps FC Season Memberships on sale now for the 50th Anniversary season, we look back at the top five home matches at BC Place so far this season.
Before this year, the 'Caps had previously only scored five goals in a match twice, defeating San Jose Earthquakes 5-0 in the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs and claiming a 5-2 win over Orlando City SC in MLS regular season action in 2018.
That total would begin a potent rise on March 8, as the 'Caps started their 2023 Concacaf Champions League campaign against Honduran side Real C.D. España.
The first half saw the Blue and White open the scoring through a bullet header from Tristan Blackmon in the 21st minute, followed up in the second half by a long distance strike from Ryan Raposo, an España own goal, a calm finish from Pedro Vite, and a curling effort from Brian White. Ryan Gauld also notched two assists on the night.
With the goals, the 'Caps secured their third five-goal victory in their MLS era and cemented a standard for future victories to come in 2023.
Fresh off a last-gasp 1-1 road draw against Minnesota United FC, the 'Caps returned home for a Canadian clash against CF Montréal at BC Place.
Head coach Vanni Sartini was looking for an offensive spark from his side, as Sergio Córdova missed the match with a right hamstring strain and Gauld started the match on the bench due to left hamstring tightness.
Sartini turned to his youth, handing out first MLS starts to Ali Ahmed and Simon Becher.
The pair played key roles in the previous match against Minnesota coming off the bench and would continue their impressive performances against Montréal.
Becher found the net twice and added an assist, while Ahmed scored his first 'Caps goal and also recorded an assist. Julian Gressel and White would round out the scoring as the 'Caps claimed their second 5-0 win of the season to mark their fourth five-goal victory in the clubs MLS era.
A common theme in the previous two matches seen above? We want six.
In both of those games, the 'Caps had some great opportunities to score a historic sixth goal, something they had never done in their MLS era.Â
On May 31st, that all changed as the Blue and White claimed a thrilling 6-2 win over Houston Dynamo FC.
The match kicked off with a goal from Vite inside the first 15 seconds, marking the fastest goal in Whitecaps FC MLS history.
The goal was followed up with a pair of quick Dynamo goals, but just after Amine Bassi had given the away side a 2-1 lead, Gressel scored a thunderous volley inside the box to tie the match at 2-2 in the 18th minute. Yes, in the 18th minute of play the score at BC Place read 2-2.
Surely the game couldn't give more #MLSAfterDark energy.
Indeed it did, as White scored 10 seconds into the second half to give the 'Caps the 3-2 advantage, Gressel added another, Sebastian Berhalter scored his first professional goal with a rocket into the top corner, and Gauld scored his first goal of the season.
It marked yet another unforgettable night at BC Place filled with plenty of goals and action.
So good we had to do it twice.
After winning the Canadian Championship last season, the 'Caps made it their mission to run it back in 2023.
The club defeated Canadian Premier League sides York United FC and Pacific FC en route to securing their place in the Final for a second straight season, which would again be played at BC Place.
Both teams went into the halftime interval scoreless but the floodgates would open for the 'Caps in the 57th minute. White got on the end of a lofted ball by Gressel, rounded the keeper, and applied a calm finish into an empty net to give the 'Caps the lead.
Eight minutes later, Gauld doubled the advantage from the penalty spot and scored the eventual game-winner, with Montréal grabbing a late goal through Sanusi Ibrahim.
The team ran it back and lifted the Voyageurs' Cup in front of the BC Place faithful for a third time in their MLS era, sending many fans home with another core memory in their back pocket.
In the final MLS Matchday before Leagues Cup, the 'Caps hosted Los Angeles Galaxy at BC Place in a key Western Conference affair.
This match once again started with a flurry, with White scoring in the second minute and Gauld scoring a brace to give Vancouver a 3-0 lead inside the first 23 minutes of the match.
The Galaxy would narrow the lead to 3-2 in the second half, but Córdova sealed the victory for the 'Caps in stoppage time with a neat, left-footed strike to bring the fans to their feet.
2024 Season Memberships for the 50th Anniversary season go on-sale September 5. Fans who place a deposit today can receive a 2023 MLS Season Pass on Apple TV ($129 value, limited availability).
Make sure to be there for the next 'Caps home match on Saturday, September 30 against Eastern Conference side D.C. United. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
