Preview: 'Caps aim to win record eighth Cascadia Cup, clinch top four finish in rivalry match against Portland Timbers | Watch on MLS Season Pass

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TICKETS: Come cheer on the 'Caps in their Cascadia clash against Portland!

VANCOUVER, BC – With five matches remaining in the MLS regular season, it's the business end of the year for Vancouver Whitecaps FC (16W-6L-7D) and they'll look to continue their strong form this Wednesday, September 24 as they host Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers (11W-10L-9D) at BC Place. A win against the Timbers would seal a record eighth Cascadia Cup title for the 'Caps and clinch a top four finish in the Western Conference to secure home field advantage in the Round One, Best-of-Three Series. They would also overtake expansion side San Diego FC for first in the conference. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT and the match is presented by Blast Media Print.

Wednesday's clash also holds extra significance as it is the 'Caps game on hand on several teams aronud them in the race for the coveted MLS Supporters' Shield, which is awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the regular season. The Blue and White are already up to a club-record 55 points and could reach a total of 70 points based on their games remaining versus the teams around them in the race to the Shield. Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, San Diego FC, Minnesota United FC, and Charlotte FC all have three games remaining, while NYCFC have four and Inter Miami CF have six.

WEEKLY STORYLINES

THE BIG '25: It's been a record-breaking year for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. As recently as this past weekend, the 'Caps set multiple records thanks to an impressive 2-0 road victory over Sporting Kansas City as they build towards finishing the regular season on a high ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The win saw the team set a record for their best MLS regular season points tally, surpassing the mark of 53 set in 2015. In addition, they equalled their highest-ever MLS regular season win total with their 16th victory of the season, while setting records for goals scored in a regular season and goals scored across all competitions in a season with 56 and 80 respectively. A win on Wednesday night against Portland Timbers could also see the 'Caps equal their best-ever home wins total in a regular season from 2021 and 2022. Lastly, Yohei Takaoka is on the verge of history. With two consecutive clean sheets, the Japanese goalkeeper is one away from surpassing David Ousted for the most shutouts for VWFC in an MLS regular season (13).

CASCADIAN GLORY: There's more than just records on the line on Wednesday night when the 'Caps host their Cascadia rivals. A win would see the Blue and White secure a record eighth Cascadia Cup, as well as clinch a top four playoff seed in the Western Conference and home advantage in the Round One Best-Of-Three Series. Vancouver has won both of their Cascadia Cup encounters so far this season, defeating Seattle Sounders FC by a score of 3-0 at BC Place in June and claiming a thrilling 4-1 victory in Portland in their opening match of the regular season back in February. Jayden Nelson led the way on that rainy day, as he added a goal and three assists in his MLS debut for the 'Caps.

STEPPING UP: It's no secret it's been an entire team effort from the 'Caps this season. No matter who's in or who's out, there's been a true 'next man up' mentality from the group. In the road match against Kansas City, it was Peruvian international Kenji Cabrera's turn to step up. The creative midfielder, who recently started both of Peru's final World Cup Qualifying matches, became the 22nd different goalscorer across all competitions for the 'Caps this season as he found the back of the net for the first time in Blue and White. Furthermore, 22 different players have tallied an assist across all competitions. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the game, Belal Halbouni has stepped up to provide a solid presence at the back in the past couple weeks, posting a 3W-0L-1D record when starting in MLS play this year. The 'Caps will continue to need their roster to step up in the latter weeks of the regular season, as they make a push for first in the West and a first-ever MLS Supporters' Shield title.

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