Latest news with #Caps
Vancouver Sun
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Whitecaps won't have to move for World Supercross Championships in 2025
We know this: This year, the Vancouver Whitecaps won't have to move a game away from their home stadium because of a bunch of motorbikes. Tuesday's announcement that the World Supercross Championships will make a return to Vancouver this fall was all about the excitement of fans, the quality of racing, and so on and so on. It all happens Nov. 15. What wasn't in the announcement — but if you have a touch of sense, you'll quickly understand — is the significance of that date. It is smack-dab in the middle of November's FIFA international window, when national teams around the world, including Canada, will play a pair of matches against international opposition. 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. It's also smack-dab in the middle of Major League Soccer's playoff schedule, but the league smartly has always taken that international window off. (International windows that have fallen in the midst of the regular season have generally not been breaks in the MLS schedule.) We can credit last fall's fiasco, when the long-scheduled Supercross ended up forcing the Whitecaps out of town for a wild-card playoff game. They had won the right to host the match against the Portland Timbers and yet they couldn't because the motocross organization needed time to prepare the dirt track. The day MLS picked for the Caps-Timbers match, Oct. 23, was inside the needed preparation window. It was a ridiculous scene for a team that has a deal with the stadium to be a primary tenant, one that you would think could have been avoidable. Why pay all that extra money, as the Caps and B.C. Lions do, if you can't get preferred access to your own home pitch? PavCo, operators of B.C. Place , acknowledged last week that they had offered to host the playoff match a day earlier, on Oct. 22, which was the other match day MLS had identified for the wild-card round. But in coordination with Apple TV, the league's broadcaster, chose to schedule the CF Montreal vs. Atlanta United match that night instead. It was all so avoidable. B.C. Place should be booking all kinds of events. It's there to be used. But should PavCo be prioritizing one-off events over ongoing, locally owned partnerships? It was a very odd plan. The mess was a big reason why MLS commissioner Don Garber called B.C. Place an 'unviable' venue int the future for the Whitecaps. They need to have true priority at their stadium, was the implication. Also, having their own stadium would allow them to generate their own revenue, which is more and more of a challenge at the downtown dome. That said, Garber is a bit of an outlier in his critiques of B.C. Place. The Caps are obviously talking a lot about building their own stadium out at the PNE, but they have been careful to be anything other than well-spoken tenants when it comes to B.C. Place. Officials from FIFA are obviously a big fans of the stadium. World Rugby loves the building too. And so do, evidently, the fine folks at World Supercross. You do wonder if B.C. Place had a grass surface, like many stadiums of its ilk are able to do even without consistent direct sunlight from above — think the Bernabeu in Madrid, or the Sapporo Dome in Sapporo, Japan — would the MLS be so adamant that the Caps need a stadium plan. Anyway, a year later, B.C. Place's bosses seem to have learned their lesson. There will be no playoff debacle this year. There is also no risk of there being a conflict with the B.C. Lions that weekend either — that's the weekend of the Grey Cup, which is being playing in Winnipeg. pjohnston@
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Sabbi shines bright as Whitecaps crush SKC in shocking shutout
Yohei Takaoka notched up yet another clean sheet as the Vancouver Whitecaps blanked Sporting Kansas City 3-0 on Saturday. The Japanese goalkeeper stopped all three on-target shots he faced to record his Major League Soccer-leading 11th shutout of the season. Emmanuel Sabbi got the 'Caps (13-5-6) on the board in the 35th minute, J.C. Ngando increased the lead before halftime and Mathias Laborda sealed the scoring at 3-0 with a goal in the 87th minute. The home side dominated 54.2 per cent of possession across the game and outshot the visitors 22-12, including a 5-3 edge in on-target shots. Kansas City (6-12-6) is currently third worst in the Western Conference rankings and has lost all three of its recent games (0-2-1). Live Events The Whitecaps are one point behind San Diego FC for the top spot in the Western Conference and have won their previous three games (2-0-1). Throughout the first ten minutes of Saturday's game, Kansas City regularly denied the home team possession of the ball, posing a challenge to the 'Caps. Halfway through the first half, Vancouver settled in and seized charge of the game. Jayden Nelson cut a ball across the top of the six-yard box to Sabbi, who dipped and pushed a shot past SKC goalkeeper John Pulskamp to give the Whitecaps the lead in the 35th minute, making it 1-0. It was Sabbi's sixth goal of the season in all competitions. Before the halftime whistle blew, he nearly added to the total. In the 38th minute, the American striker blasted up and over the Kansas City net. In the 41st minute, he sent a low ball that narrowly missed the post. In the 43rd minute, Vancouver doubled their lead thanks to a rebound. The ball bounced out to Ngando, who placed a right-footed drive in just over Pulskamp's outstretched arm after Sebastian Berhalter nodded a shot towards the net but his attempt was stopped. He gave the 'Caps a 2-0 lead with his second goal of the season. In addition to controlling 56.8% of the first half's possession, the home team had a 12–5 shot advantage, including the game's only two on-target attempts. Kansas City had a good opportunity in the 55th minute and worked hard to score early in the second half. Daniel Salloi, a left winger, sneaked past the Vancouver defence and fired a rocket from the top of the penalty area, but Takaoka jumped to stop it. When striker Brian White stroked a shot into the SKC net in the 68th minute, it looked like the 'Caps had taken a 3-0 lead, but the goal was promptly disallowed. Earlier in the week, White was one of four Whitecaps players that participated in Major League Soccer's all-star celebration. In the 87th minute, Laborda scored Vancouver's third goal of the evening on a corner kick. Laborda nodded the ball in under Pulskamp's arm for his third goal of the season after Berhalter, who also played for the 'Caps at the MLS all-star game, floated it into the six-yard box. Observations Bjorn Utvik started at centre back, replacing Ranko Veselinovic. The Serbian defender tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during last week's 1-1 tie with San Diego FC, and the Whitecaps announced on Tuesday that he will be sidelined for the rest of the season. … Due to discomfort in his groin, Vancouver midfielder Andreas Cubas left the game at halftime. Ralph Priso took his place. … The Whitecaps played their 12th annual Pride game in front of an announced 20,719 spectators. UPCOMING The Whitecaps' next game is against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9. On the same night, Sporting will host San Diego FC. The Canadian Press initially released this report on July 26, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Which Bayern Munich superstar is thinking of joining the Whitecaps?
The thing about miracles is they are extremely rare — but they do happen. Hail Mary, full of grace there is a chance that Thomas Müller may become a member of the Vancouver Whitecaps . The idea of bringing the Bayern Munich legend to Vancouver, let alone Major League Soccer, seemed dead when presented to Caps CEO Axel Schuster dismissed the idea, saying it didn't fit the team's current roster construction model. But Transfermarkt scoops guru Manuel Veth reported Saturday that the move wasn't completely dead and, in fact, Vancouver had become the odds-on favourite to land the 35-year-old Müller, who has spent the last 17 years cementing himself as one of the Bundesliga team's greatest all-time players. The rumours started flying of Müller's move to MLS during the All-Star festivities earlier this week, and the German international confirmed it after posting a video saying retirement wasn't an option, and his future lay elsewhere. A post shared by Thomas Müller (@esmuellert) FC Cincinnati were the front-runners, as they hold his discovery rights for MLS. But Cincy was seemingly rebuffed as a destination by Müller, and trade talks began in earnest. Los Angeles FC cropped up as the next likely landing spot, but they have shifted their attention to Tottenham Hotspur winger Heung-Min Son. 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. The Philadelphia Union were another possibility, but the team balked at the idea of paying wages amounting to US$9 to $10 million per year, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, with Union sporting director Ernst Tanner calling them 'unthinkable.' The biggest hurdle, Veth reported, was the amount of money Cincinnati wants for the discovery rights, saying they want more than the $400,000 the LA Galaxy paid Charlotte FC for Marco Reus' discovery rights last year. If Müller were to sign in Vancouver, it would easily be the biggest signing in team's tenure, and rank as one of the largest sporting moves in the city's history. As for the roster construction model, the Whitecaps have currently declared to be following the U22 model — meaning two Designated Players and four U22 players. The Caps currently have Ryan Gauld and Andres Cubas as DP, while Édier Ocampo and the newly acquired Kenji Cabrera make up the U22 players. But they can switch their declaration to the DP-heavy model — three DPs and three U22 players — up until the end of the Secondary Transfer Window on Aug. 21, making room for Müller.
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
MLS 'misrepresenting' Whitecaps' stadium availability: B.C. Place
Two days after being publicly criticized about how often B.C. Place is available for the Vancouver Whitecaps, the authority that runs the stadium is pushing back. Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber criticized the stadium on Wednesday for offering the Whitecaps a limited selection of playing dates saying they made only 17 dates available for home matches and also for forcing the Whitecaps to play a 'home' playoff game last fall on the road. Not so fast, B.C. Place officials are saying. 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. 'The statement from the Major League Soccer commissioner that the Whitecaps only receive 17 days to play matches at B.C. Place is a misrepresentation of how many days are made available to the organization,' read a statement provided to Postmedia on Friday morning, attributed to B.C. Place as an organization. According to B.C. Place, on average more than 40 days are made available each season to the Whitecaps. 'The Vancouver Whitecaps FC are a valued long-term partner of B.C. Place, and the stadium works closely with the club to ensure their matches and events are a scheduling priority,' the statement continued. 'Every year, B.C. Place and the Whitecaps collaborate to establish a calendar that accommodates regular season matches, playoff matches, CONCACAF tournaments and other qualifying competitions.' The Whitecaps have called the downtown stadium home since late 2011, their first year in MLS. At the moment, the Whitecaps are scheduled to play 23 games this year at B.C. Place, although if they defeat Forge FC in their two-legged Canadian Championship semi-final, they will host the final, giving them 24 game days. On top of those games, B.C. Place points out, the stadium also hosts practices and other media events at the stadium. Those push the Caps beyond 40 events per year. 'The stadium also supports the club in hosting a variety of other activities, such as watch parties, season ticketholder events, stakeholder meetings, film shoots, and other supporting events,' the statement noted. As for last year's playoff game which saw the Caps have to play in Portland, even though they were the home team, because of a previously booked motocross event at B.C. Place, stadium officials again pushed back. The league had proposed the Whitecaps host the Portland Timbers on Oct. 23, but that was unavailable because of preparations for the World Supercross Championships, set to take place Oct. 26 at the stadium. That the Whitecaps had to play a game on the road that they had earned the right to host was an example Garber cited on Wednesday of why B.C. Place is an 'unviable' venue going forward. According to B.C. Place, they negotiated with officials for the supercross and would have been able to host the Whitecaps vs. Timbers match on Oct. 22. B.C. Place said the club supported the proposed date. 'Unfortunately, the proposed solution was not approved by MLS, and the Whitecaps were required to play the match on the road,' B.C. Place said. 'B.C. Place is proud to be the home of Vancouver Whitecaps FC and remains committed to supporting the club's growth and success now and into the future.' In a statement on Thursday, the Whitecaps re-iterated that they continue to talk with the City of Vancouver about building a soccer-specific stadium on the grounds of the PNE at Hastings Park. The team hasn't specifically pointed to the current site of Hastings Racecourse, but the lease for the horse-racing operation there expires next May and most expect that the city will look toward a different use for the property which has hosted horse racing since the 1890s. 'Vancouver Whitecaps FC can confirm that discussions with the City of Vancouver regarding potential stadium development at the PNE fairgrounds site are progressing,' the team said in its statement. 'While the club is taking all necessary action to keep moving this process forward, it is a complex undertaking that can take considerable time. Our objective is to continue to move the project forward as quickly as possible, working with the city, the province, and MLS. At this time, the club has no further updates to share on these conversations with the city.' If the Whitecaps are able to secure an agreement to build a stadium on the site, they will still need to secure funding for construction — and they still need a new owner. Plus, stadium construction would take several years, so the team will need somewhere to play in the interim, presumably at B.C. Place. The Whitecaps have not commented on the state of negotiations with PavCo. 'Meanwhile, it is business as usual for Whitecaps FC. We remain focused on extending the great momentum of the season and continuing to invest in and grow the club and Canadian soccer. Whitecaps FC remains grateful for the passionate support of our fans and the broader Vancouver soccer community,' the Whitecaps statement concluded. The City of Vancouver issued a short statement as well: 'The city recognizes the Vancouver Whitecaps as an important part of our community's cultural and economic vibrancy and is supportive of the Whitecaps staying in Vancouver and exploring feasible options. At this time, the city cannot disclose specific information regarding potential land-use matters or ongoing discussions related to Hastings Park or the Hastings Racecourse property.' pjohnston@
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Whitecaps juggle lineup ahead of battle with Sporting Kansas City
Another major injury is forcing the Vancouver Whitecaps to once again rotate their lineup as the club tries to climb back atop the standings. The 'Caps (12-5-6) announced Tuesday that stalwart centre back Ranko Veselinovic will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. 'It's, of course, horrible for Ranko. I feel, we all feel, with him and for him, because getting an ACL rupture is very bad,' said Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen. 'Ranko is doing OK. But of course, we have to figure out what to do without him, because he's been also a key part of the season so far.' 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. The injury means Sorensen will field a different defensive corps when Vancouver hosts Sporting Kansas City (6-11-6) on Saturday. The 'Caps head into the game sitting second in Major League Soccer's Western Conference standings, just one point behind San Diego FC — a club they battled to a 1-1 draw last week. Lineup changes have become routine for Vancouver's first-year bench boss as the Whitecaps weather a string of long-term injuries. Attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld has been sidelined with a knee injury since March 8. Canadian defender Sam Adekugbe saw his season cut short when he tore his Achilles tendon playing for the national team last month, and midfielder Ali Ahmed has been sidelined since spraining his ankle while playing for Canada. Several of Vancouver's players have also missed league games while competing for their national squads. A deep player pool has helped fill the holes, Sorensen said. 'We have players who know what to do when they step on the pitch,' he said. 'And I think that's the most important thing, that we work with them in the daily work, and give them the best options to do well when they play on the pitch by having teammates around them in a good structure who can help out.' Four crucial pieces are expected to return to the 'Caps lineup for Saturday's game after representing the club at MLS all-star festivities in Austin this week. Striker Brian White, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, defender Tristan Blackmon and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka all returned to training with their teammates on Thursday. Getting back into the swing of team play can be a challenge, White said. 'I think it's a bit difficult. Obviously, you go from playing games a lot with guys you're familiar with to really not playing a whole lot, to come back, and then you find that rhythm again,' he said. 'I think it takes a little bit of time, but it's not like learning how to ride a bike again, you know? You try to pick up where you left off.' The Whitecaps sent a league-high four players to the all-star game, and the players had an impact, with White scoring to lift the MLS all stars to a win over their Liga MX compatriots. Takaoka also hit the crossbar in a skills competition to secure an MLS win. There's a high standard at an all-star event, Blackmon said, and the players all want to bring that mindset back to Vancouver _ starting with a strong outing against SKC on Saturday. 'Obviously, you're playing with, arguably, the best in the league this year so far. So you try to come back and show that you have that quality,' he said. 'We had four guys there, that was incredible. But how can we all come back here and try to help as much as possible, keep that same level and increase it going into this final stretch?' SPORTING KANSAS CITY (6-11-6) VS. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (12-5-6) Saturday, July 26 at B.C. Place HISTORY BOOKS: Sporting holds a 12-8-5 edge in all-time matchups between the two clubs, but the 'Caps won both meetings last season by a 2-1 margin. HOME SWEET HOME: The Whitecaps have played their last five league games on the road and will close out the regular-season campaign with seven of their next 11 matchups at B.C. Place . The team is 6-2-2 on home turf this year. FULL SLATE: Saturday will mark Vancouver's 35th game this year across all competitions, including league play, the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Canadian Championship. The MLS regular-season campaign consists of 34 matchups.
