Looking for a Cascadia Cup refresher ahead of Saturday's Cascadia clash between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Seattle Sounders FC (7 p.m. PT on TSN1 and TSN 1410 radio).
Then you're in the right place.
BACKGROUND
The Cascadia Cup represents one of the most passionate derby rivalries in North America.
Known for the region of North America that Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland represent, the Cascadia Cup was created by the supporters of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Seattle Sounders FC, and Portland Timbers. Officially founded in 2004, the origins of the Cup date back to when all three clubs were members of the United Soccer Leagues First Division.
The combined fan-based organizations of the three clubs came together to produce the two-foot-tall silver Cascadia Cup, which is awarded annually to the team with the best head-to-head record in regular season matches between their Pacific Northwest rivals.
The fans created this competition – and it's the fans that make it so special.
REIGNING CHAMPS
The ‘Caps were going for a Cascadia Cup threepeat in 2015, but Seattle had other plans.
Seattle posted a 4W-2L-1D record against Vancouver and Portland last season, culminating with a Cascadia Cup-clinching 3-0 victory over Whitecaps FC at BC Place.
Can the ‘Caps reclaim the Cup in 2016?
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Although Seattle's supporters are currently in possession of the Cascadia Cup, the 'Caps remain the most successful club in competition history with five titles to their name.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
Seattle Sounders FC:
Portland Timbers:
2016 WHITECAPS FC CASCADIA SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 19: Seattle vs. Vancouver (7 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field)
Saturday, May 7: Vancouver vs. Portland (2 p.m. PT at BC Place)
Saturday, May 22: Portland vs. Vancouver (1:30 p.m. PT at Providence Park)
Saturday, September 17: Seattle vs. Vancouver (1 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field)
Sunday, October 2: Vancouver vs. Seattle (5 p.m. PT at BC Place)
Sunday, October 23: Vancouver vs. Portland (1 p.m. PT at BC Place)
MEET THE SUPPORTERS (from MLSsoccer.com's Michael McColl)
See below for a description of Vancouver's three main supporters' groups.
Habitat: Established in 1999, the Southsiders are the largest Whitecaps supporters' group and occupy sections 248 to 254. Pre- and post-match they can be found at Doolin's Irish Pub.
Visual Identification: They're scarfers. Part of the Southsiders annual membership package comes with a new scarf every year and members wear them with pride, more frequently than scarves for the club itself. They come in handy for the group's “scarves up” chants.
Defining Characteristics: A "March to the Match" leaves from the Southsiders' pub every game day, meeting up with other supporters along the way. They're also the only Vancouver supporters' group with on-pitch capos, leading chants throughout the 90 minutes.
Songs and Calls: The group's two signature songs are “Boundary Road” and “We're Blue, We're White," both of which date far back to the 'Caps pre-MLS days.
Habitat: Established in 2011, the group occupies sections 203 and 204, in BC Place's west curva. Their pre-match watering hole is the wonderfully named Devil's Elbow.
Visual Identification: You'll know them by their tifo displays and two-sticks. They're also often seen with their shoes up in the air for their “shoes off” chant. Sometimes their shirts are off too, especially for the post-game “Humba” with a 'Caps player following wins.
Defining Characteristics: Curva's motto is “giving our all," with the focus on visual displays and vocal unity. The group comes out to actively, and noisily, support the Whitecaps at all levels, from the MLS team down to the Residency. Curva are known for their match day tifo and getting into the stadium early to support the players from pre-game warm-ups.
Songs and Calls: Their style of support features influences from all over the world, but mostly from continental Europe and South America. The two songs/chants that Curva have brought to supporters' culture in Van City that the group feels are most meaningful are “Loyal To The Caps” and “Sweet Dreams."
Habitat: Established in 2010, they occupy section 201 in BC Place. Their pre- and post-game pub is Library Square.
Visual Identification: You'll know RCB by their predominantly black garb, particularly their scarves, T-shirts and hoodies. A lot of members of the group wear cut-off denim jackets with patches, a nod to their musical influences. They're probably the most tattooed group of the three.
Defining Characteristics: They're a diverse group of members from all over the world, united by their passion for the game. The group follows a more English style of supporters' culture.
Songs and Calls: The group introduced “Victory” into the Whitecaps' song book, with a nod to Australian side Melbourne Victory.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale from $39/month all in. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit
whitecapsfc.com/tickets
.
