Preview: 'Caps kickoff 2025 MLS regular season against Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers | Watch on MLS Season Pass, TSN

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VANCOUVER, BC – MLS is back. Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to begin their 2025 MLS regular season this Sunday, February 23 against a familiar foe in Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers. Kickoff from Providence Park in Portland, Oregon is set for 1 p.m. PT.

  • Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    • Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 1 p.m. PT
    • Providence Park – Portland, Oregon
  • BROADCAST
    ONLINE/TV:     Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, TSN

The rivalry between Whitecaps FC and Timbers stretches back to 1975, Portland’s expansion year in NASL, and a year after Vancouver entered the league. Sunday's match will mark the 109th meeting between the two sides in official competition and the first since the 'Caps memorable 5-0 victory over the Timbers in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Knockout Round.

Following Sunday's match, all eyes will be on leg two of Round One of Concacaf Champions Cup action. The 'Caps look to erase a 2-1 deficit at BC Place next Thursday, February 27, with the winner of the tie 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 their 2025 MLS regular season under new head coach Jesper Sørensen this weekend. Vancouver will open up their MLS regular season campaign against a familiar foe in Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon on Sunday. The Blue and White are coming off a narrow defeat in Concacaf Champions Cup action, dropping a last-gasp winner in a 2-1 defeat against Deportivo Saprissa despite showing positive signs in Sørensen's head coaching debut.

CASCADIA REMATCH: 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 Portland 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.

THE WORKING CLASS DP: Ryan Gauld notched the opening goal of the year for the Blue and White on Thursday night in Costa Rica, slotting home a right-footed finish after a cross into the box from Ali Ahmed. With the goal, the Scottish international surpassed Camilo Sanvezzo for goals scored in the club's MLS era and now sits second with 44 strikes behind leading goalscorer Brian White. The duo are now one goal away from reaching 100 combined goals during their time with the club. With three games in the nexet seven days, Gauld and White will be hoping to help the 'Caps begin the year on the right foot.

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