Latest news with #CONCACAFChampionsCup
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Whitecaps are playing their biggest game since 1979. Shout it from the rooftops
If a team wins a continental title but no one sees it, does it still make a sound? Of course, there will be a few people watching Sunday's CONCACAF Champions Cup final between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Cruz Azul, the Mexico City club that is hosting the match. There will be a couple of thousand fans watching on the big screen at Terry Fox Plaza outside B.C. Place. And there will be a smattering of fans at home, the rare souls who have access one way or another to One Soccer, the Canada Soccer-affiliated channel that holds the rights to the game (kickoff 6 p.m.). But for the majority of Vancouver sports fans — and we know there are many, given how well the Canucks, Lions, Whitecaps and the rugby sevens, continue to do in selling tickets — there are few options. Sure, we've long been a finicky bunch, a cohort with a reputation for enjoying the event aspect of things more than being diehard about the pure sport, but we do turn out. We know, just from our own website data at The Province and Vancouver Sun, that local sports fans are not exactly a sticky bunch. Write a Canucks story and it stands a good chance of being well-read. Write about the Lions or Whitecaps or Canadians and it's most likely not. And that's despite Vancouver's ball sports teams doing consistently well in the stands, let alone on the field. The resurgence of the Vancouver Whitecaps this season — is it a resurgence when you've never finished an MLS regular season in the position they currently hold, on top of the league? — has made an impact in the stands. And this is not a team that plays in darkness. If they were playing in darkness would have they pulled in 50,000 to face Lionel Messi? How many of those 50,000 know that the Caps are playing Sunday in Vancouver's biggest soccer game since the 1979 Soccer Bowl? Let's be clear: I am not being negative here. I'm just lamenting the fact that it's so hard to break through into popular consciousness in the modern era. I asked a group of pretty sports-conscious friends if they knew the Whitecaps' game on Sunday was for the continental title and the answers were telling — one knew they were in the final, but didn't realize it was this weekend. Another had no idea at all (maybe his algo isn't showing it to him, he quipped). And that's probably the biggest truth. We live, frustratingly, in a social media world now. For so many, our only exposure to information is by scrolling. I don't know if we can change that. But rest assured we'll keep trying to find some sticky readers for our stories. What I do know is that these Whitecaps are for real. They're playing exciting football. They don't even have their best player right now. They're a team rife with personality too. Their games are super accessible for fans of all ages. And they deserve all our attention. That part is hard, though. When times were good for the Canucks a decade ago, they drew in all kinds of adjacent buzz. Bars and restaurants would put the games on without a moment's thought. If the Whitecaps can keep their winning ways going — and there's every reason to think they will — that will do something about making themselves into a new version of must-see entertainment. But getting them on to local TVs in bars, let alone in homes, is a different challenge, one to be discussed another day. It requires making it easier to throw digital streams on TVs that are still wired for cable. Whether you are watching or not, do know that Brian White remains one of the best strikers in North America, Pedro Vite is as complete a midfielder as we've seen in this town in years, Andrés Cubas will kick your shins until the cows come home, Tate Johnson is a lot faster than you, Ranko Veselinović is a lot taller than you, and Jesper Sorenson is a lot more intense than you. Will Cruz Azul learn this lesson the hardest way on Sunday? Keep your ears sharp, because you may hear some roaring going on about you. LIVE — Sunday, if you aren't able to find a venue with One Soccer or get down to Terry Fox Plaza, be sure to log on to to follow along with the action as we live-blog the final. pjohnston@ Vancouver Whitecaps keep unbeaten streak with 0-0 draw against Minnesota United This former B.C. Lions quarterback is ready to lead Canada to Olympic flag football glory
Vancouver Sun
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
The Whitecaps are playing their biggest game since 1979. Shout it from the rooftops
If a team wins a continental title but no one sees it, does it still make a sound? Of course, there will be a few people watching Sunday's CONCACAF Champions Cup final between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Cruz Azul, the Mexico City club that is hosting the match. There will be a couple of thousand fans watching on the big screen at Terry Fox Plaza outside B.C. Place. And there will be a smattering of fans at home, the rare souls who have access one way or another to One Soccer, the Canada Soccer-affiliated channel that holds the rights to the game (kickoff 6 p.m.). But for the majority of Vancouver sports fans — and we know there are many, given how well the Canucks, Lions, Whitecaps and the rugby sevens, continue to do in selling tickets — there are few options. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Sure, we've long been a finicky bunch, a cohort with a reputation for enjoying the event aspect of things more than being diehard about the pure sport, but we do turn out. We know, just from our own website data at The Province and Vancouver Sun, that local sports fans are not exactly a sticky bunch. Write a Canucks story and it stands a good chance of being well-read. Write about the Lions or Whitecaps or Canadians and it's most likely not. And that's despite Vancouver's ball sports teams doing consistently well in the stands, let alone on the field. The resurgence of the Vancouver Whitecaps this season — is it a resurgence when you've never finished an MLS regular season in the position they currently hold, on top of the league? — has made an impact in the stands. And this is not a team that plays in darkness. If they were playing in darkness would have they pulled in 50,000 to face Lionel Messi? How many of those 50,000 know that the Caps are playing Sunday in Vancouver's biggest soccer game since the 1979 Soccer Bowl? Let's be clear: I am not being negative here. I'm just lamenting the fact that it's so hard to break through into popular consciousness in the modern era. I asked a group of pretty sports-conscious friends if they knew the Whitecaps' game on Sunday was for the continental title and the answers were telling — one knew they were in the final, but didn't realize it was this weekend. Another had no idea at all (maybe his algo isn't showing it to him, he quipped). And that's probably the biggest truth. We live, frustratingly, in a social media world now. For so many, our only exposure to information is by scrolling. I don't know if we can change that. But rest assured we'll keep trying to find some sticky readers for our stories. What I do know is that these Whitecaps are for real. They're playing exciting football. They don't even have their best player right now. They're a team rife with personality too. Their games are super accessible for fans of all ages. And they deserve all our attention. That part is hard, though. When times were good for the Canucks a decade ago, they drew in all kinds of adjacent buzz. Bars and restaurants would put the games on without a moment's thought. If the Whitecaps can keep their winning ways going — and there's every reason to think they will — that will do something about making themselves into a new version of must-see entertainment. But getting them on to local TVs in bars, let alone in homes, is a different challenge, one to be discussed another day. It requires making it easier to throw digital streams on TVs that are still wired for cable. Whether you are watching or not, do know that Brian White remains one of the best strikers in North America, Pedro Vite is as complete a midfielder as we've seen in this town in years, Andrés Cubas will kick your shins until the cows come home, Tate Johnson is a lot faster than you, Ranko Veselinović is a lot taller than you, and Jesper Sorenson is a lot more intense than you. Will Cruz Azul learn this lesson the hardest way on Sunday? Keep your ears sharp, because you may hear some roaring going on about you. LIVE — Sunday, if you aren't able to find a venue with One Soccer or get down to Terry Fox Plaza, be sure to log on to to follow along with the action as we live-blog the final. pjohnston@
The Province
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Province
The Whitecaps are playing their biggest game since 1979. Shout it from the rooftops
The only way for the Whitecaps to break into public consciousness will be to keep winning. A continental title will surely help. Get the latest from Patrick Johnston straight to your inbox Vancouver Whitecaps striker Brian White. Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. If a team wins a continental title but no one sees it, does it still make a sound? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Of course, there will be a few people watching Sunday's CONCACAF Champions Cup final between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Cruz Azul, the Mexico City club that is hosting the match. There will be a couple of thousand fans watching on the big screen at Terry Fox Plaza outside B.C. Place. And there will be a smattering of fans at home, the rare souls who have access one way or another to One Soccer, the Canada Soccer-affiliated channel that holds the rights to the game (kickoff 6 p.m.). But for the majority of Vancouver sports fans — and we know there are many, given how well the Canucks, Lions, Whitecaps and the rugby sevens, continue to do in selling tickets — there are few options. Sure, we've long been a finicky bunch, a cohort with a reputation for enjoying the event aspect of things more than being diehard about the pure sport, but we do turn out. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. We know, just from our own website data at The Province and Vancouver Sun, that local sports fans are not exactly a sticky bunch. Write a Canucks story and it stands a good chance of being well-read. Write about the Lions or Whitecaps or Canadians and it's most likely not. And that's despite Vancouver's ball sports teams doing consistently well in the stands, let alone on the field. The resurgence of the Vancouver Whitecaps this season — is it a resurgence when you've never finished an MLS regular season in the position they currently hold, on top of the league? — has made an impact in the stands. And this is not a team that plays in darkness. If they were playing in darkness would have they pulled in 50,000 to face Lionel Messi? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. How many of those 50,000 know that the Caps are playing Sunday in Vancouver's biggest soccer game since the 1979 Soccer Bowl? Let's be clear: I am not being negative here. I'm just lamenting the fact that it's so hard to break through into popular consciousness in the modern era. I asked a group of pretty sports-conscious friends if they knew the Whitecaps' game on Sunday was for the continental title and the answers were telling — one knew they were in the final, but didn't realize it was this weekend. Another had no idea at all (maybe his algo isn't showing it to him, he quipped). And that's probably the biggest truth. We live, frustratingly, in a social media world now. For so many, our only exposure to information is by scrolling. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. I don't know if we can change that. But rest assured we'll keep trying to find some sticky readers for our stories. What I do know is that these Whitecaps are for real. They're playing exciting football. They don't even have their best player right now. They're a team rife with personality too. Their games are super accessible for fans of all ages. And they deserve all our attention. That part is hard, though. When times were good for the Canucks a decade ago, they drew in all kinds of adjacent buzz. Bars and restaurants would put the games on without a moment's thought. If the Whitecaps can keep their winning ways going — and there's every reason to think they will — that will do something about making themselves into a new version of must-see entertainment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But getting them on to local TVs in bars, let alone in homes, is a different challenge, one to be discussed another day. It requires making it easier to throw digital streams on TVs that are still wired for cable. Whether you are watching or not, do know that Brian White remains one of the best strikers in North America, Pedro Vite is as complete a midfielder as we've seen in this town in years, Andrés Cubas will kick your shins until the cows come home, Tate Johnson is a lot faster than you, Ranko Veselinović is a lot taller than you, and Jesper Sorenson is a lot more intense than you. Will Cruz Azul learn this lesson the hardest way on Sunday? Keep your ears sharp, because you may hear some roaring going on about you. LIVE — Sunday, if you aren't able to find a venue with One Soccer or get down to Terry Fox Plaza, be sure to log on to to follow along with the action as we live-blog the final. pjohnston@ Read More BC Lions Local News Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks News
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Cruz Azul and Vancouver meet in CONCACAF final with history at stake
FILE PHOTO: Apr 30, 2025; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps defender Ranko Veselinović (4) celebrates with forward Damir Kreilach (19) after the game against Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images REUTERS Cruz Azul and Vancouver meet in CONCACAF final with history at stake MEXICO CITY - Hosts Cruz Azul will look to clinch a record-equalling seventh continental title in Sunday's CONCACAF Champions Cup final, while their opponents the Vancouver Whitecaps are aiming to be the first Canadian club to be crowned champions. The winner of the final at Mexico City's Estadio Olimpico Universitario will also qualify for the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and this year's Intercontinental Cup. Cruz Azul are eager to end their season on a high and bounce back from a Mexican league semi-final loss to Club America by claiming a CONCACAF crown that would draw them level with their arch rivals in continental honours. The nine-time Liga MX winners cemented their status as favourites with a 7–0 aggregate thrashing of Haiti's Real Hope, a commanding 4–1 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders, and back-to-back 2–1 victories over America and fellow Mexican heavyweights Tigres UANL en route to the final. Sunday could also mark coach Vicente Sanchez's farewell, with local media reporting he is set to step down after just six months in charge. "Reaching the final takes a lot of hard work and a lot of gratitude," Sanchez told reporters as his side reached their first CONCACAF final since 2014. "We want to repay all the support we have and try to win things because Cruz Azul demands to win things." The Canadians, however, have been no strangers to the underdog label throughout the competition. After a first-round win over Costa Rica's Saprissa, the 2024 Canadian Championship winners stunned Mexican sides Monterrey and Pumas UNAM before a stunning 5-1 aggregate win over Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the semis. Unlike their opponents, Vancouver arrive in good form, on the back of a 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions while leading the MLS Western Conference standings. "We don't back down under any circumstances," said Vancouver midfielder Andres Cubas ahead of the final. "We've achieved important victories in Mexico to reach the final ... We'll go out there knowing that it's just one game, that we have one chance to make history." Vancouver are just the third Canadian club to reach the CONCACAF final, following in the footsteps of Montreal (2015) and Toronto (2018), who both fell short against Mexican opposition. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Cruz Azul and Vancouver meet in CONCACAF final with history at stake
FILE PHOTO: Apr 30, 2025; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps defender Ranko Veselinović (4) celebrates with forward Damir Kreilach (19) after the game against Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Hosts Cruz Azul will look to clinch a record-equalling seventh continental title in Sunday's CONCACAF Champions Cup final, while their opponents the Vancouver Whitecaps are aiming to be the first Canadian club to be crowned champions. The winner of the final at Mexico City's Estadio Olimpico Universitario will also qualify for the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and this year's Intercontinental Cup. Cruz Azul are eager to end their season on a high and bounce back from a Mexican league semi-final loss to Club America by claiming a CONCACAF crown that would draw them level with their arch rivals in continental honours. The nine-time Liga MX winners cemented their status as favourites with a 7–0 aggregate thrashing of Haiti's Real Hope, a commanding 4–1 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders, and back-to-back 2–1 victories over America and fellow Mexican heavyweights Tigres UANL en route to the final. Sunday could also mark coach Vicente Sanchez's farewell, with local media reporting he is set to step down after just six months in charge. "Reaching the final takes a lot of hard work and a lot of gratitude," Sanchez told reporters as his side reached their first CONCACAF final since 2014. "We want to repay all the support we have and try to win things because Cruz Azul demands to win things." The Canadians, however, have been no strangers to the underdog label throughout the competition. After a first-round win over Costa Rica's Saprissa, the 2024 Canadian Championship winners stunned Mexican sides Monterrey and Pumas UNAM before a stunning 5-1 aggregate win over Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the semis. Unlike their opponents, Vancouver arrive in good form, on the back of a 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions while leading the MLS Western Conference standings. "We don't back down under any circumstances," said Vancouver midfielder Andres Cubas ahead of the final. "We've achieved important victories in Mexico to reach the final ... We'll go out there knowing that it's just one game, that we have one chance to make history." Vancouver are just the third Canadian club to reach the CONCACAF final, following in the footsteps of Montreal (2015) and Toronto (2018), who both fell short against Mexican opposition. (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Toby Davis)
