Preview: 'Caps host Women & Girls in Soccer Celebration against Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers | Watch on MLS Season Pass

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VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to begin their Cascadia Cup defence this Saturday, March 30 as they host Portland Timbers in their third annual Women and Girls in Soccer Celebration, presented by Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Group. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.

The rivalry between Whitecaps FC and the Portland Timbers stretches back to 1975, Portland’s expansion year in NASL, and a year after Vancouver entered the league. Saturday's match will be the 105th meeting between the two sides in official competition. It'll also mark the first of three meetings this season between the two sides, and the first of two meetings at BC Place.

Another doubleheader will take place on Saturday at BC Place, with Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) hosting Timbers2 in an MLS NEXT Pro Cascadia affair. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. PT.

WEEKLY STORYLINES

WOMEN & GIRLS IN SOCCER CELEBRATION: Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to host their third annual Women and Girls in Soccer Celebration this Saturday when they take on Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers at BC Place. Right on the heels of International Women’s Day, the club will celebrate the incredible women and girls working, playing, and setting new standards in soccer. In the lead up to the match, the 'Caps will be announcing  their 10 Iconic Players from the W-League era as part of their 50 Iconic Players series. 

ALL TOGETHER AGAIN: After serving his reduced four-match suspension, Vanni Sartini is set to return to the sidelines on Saturday for the first time in MLS play this season. The Italian has led the club to back-to-back Canadian Championship titles (2022, 2023), qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs twice (2021, 2023), and won the club's seventh Cascadia Cup (2023). Sartini won't be the only person making a return on Saturday, as midfielder Andrés Cubas and forward Fafà Picault have rejoined the team after returning from international duty. 

CASCADIA DEFENCE: Having claimed their seventh Cascadia Cup last season, the Blue and White will begin their title defence this Saturday against the Timbers. The 'Caps posted a 3W-2L-1D record against Cascadia opposition in 2023, with two of their wins coming against Portland. The first win, which was the last meeting at BC Place, ended in a 1-0 victory for Vancouver thanks to a goal from Brian White. The second win came away from home at Providence Park, with White once again finding the back of the net along with a Ryan Gauld brace to secure a 3-2 victory.

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