Preview: 'Caps begin 2025 season with Concacaf Champions Cup Round One first leg against Deportivo Saprissa | Watch on OneSoccer, FuboTV, TELUS channel 980

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HOW TO WATCH: Watch on OneSoccer, FuboTV, TELUS Channel 980

VANCOUVER, BC – The 'Caps are back. Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to begin their 2025 season this week with a pair of away matches. The year kicks off this Thursday, February 20 with Concacaf Champions Cup action against Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa in the first leg of Round One at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San José, Costa Rica. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. PT.

  • Deportivo Saprissa vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    • Thursday, February 19, 2025 – 5 p.m. PT
    • Estadio Ricardo Saprissa – San José, Costa Rica
  • BROADCAST
    ONLINE/TV:     Watch on OneSoccer, FuboTV, TELUS Channel 980

Thursday will mark the first-ever meeting between the 'Caps and Saprissa. The two clubs do have some similarities with each other, as former 'Caps players Kendall Waston, Christian Bolaños, and Jordan Smith have also suited up for Saprissa. In fact, Waston is still with Saprissa and could feature in the upcoming matches.

Following Thursday's first leg, all eyes will be on leg two at BC Place next Thursday, February 27, with the winner moving on to the quarterfinals to face LIGA MX giants CF Monterrey. Tickets for the second leg are still available at www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

WEEKLY STORYLINES

'CAPS ARE BACK: After a strong preseason, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to begin the 2025 season under new head coach Jesper Sørensen this week with a pair of away matches in different competitions. First up, the 'Caps head to Costa Rica to take on Deportivo Saprissa in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One first leg. The match is set to take place at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa this Thursday, February 20. Three days later, Vancouver will open up their MLS regular season against a familiar foe in Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon.

PURA VIDA: This season will mark the fifth time in club history that the ‘Caps play in the Champions Cup, after first qualifying for the 2015-16 edition, before making a run to the semifinals in the following 2016-17 tournament. Last year, the 'Caps were eliminated in a tight opening series versus LIGA MX giants Tigres UANL. In 2023, the 'Caps advanced past Honduran side Real España before falling in the quarterfinals to MLS rivals Los Angeles FC. Thursday will be the first ever meeting between Vancouver and Saprissa. The Purple Monster are the most decorated club in Costa Rica, having won 40 domestic titles. The club also features former Whitecaps FC captain Kendall Waston.

CASCADIA REMATCH: Following the clash in Costa Rica, the Blue and White will open up the 2025 MLS regular season with a playoff rematch against Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers. The last time the 'Caps made the trip to Providence Park was last October in the MLS Cup Playoffs, as they claimed a dominant and memorable 5-0 victory over their rivals to move on to the next round. The two teams actually met in the 2021 season opener as well, with Lucas Cavallini bagging a goal to give the Blue and White a 1-0 victory. Sunday will be only the second time during the 'Caps MLS history that they begin an MLS regular season on the road.

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