With the conclusion of the 2021 MLS season, the offseason has gone into full throttle.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Wednesday the club’s schedule for the upcoming season, highlighted by the return of more non-conference match-ups and plenty of exciting home matches at BC Place.
To help get you set for 2022, we dive into 10 matches to look forward to from next season’s schedule.
Columbus Crew – Saturday, February 26 – Lower.com Field
For the first time in the club’s MLS era, the ‘Caps will start the regular season as the road team, facing Columbus Crew at their brand new stadium Lower.com Field. Every Whitecaps FC match will be live on TSN and AM 730.
The ‘Caps are a perfect 4W-0L-0D in their last four matches in Columbus and haven’t lost to the Crew since the club’s inaugural MLS season in 2011.
The match will mark the first time the ‘Caps travel to Columbus since a 2-1 come-from-behind victory on March 31, 2018, and the first time the ‘Caps travel to face a non-Canadian, Eastern Conference side since August 3, 2019.
In addition, the match will also see Vanni Sartini begin his permanent tenure as ‘Caps head coach.
It’s sure to be a fun one to kick off 2022!
New York City FC – Saturday, March 5 – BC Place
Over the past two seasons, the ‘Caps have only welcomed Western Conference sides and Eastern Conference Canadian teams to BC Place.
- FLEX PASS: Newly available this season is a Whitecaps FC Flex Pass, offering fans the opportunity to pick their own matches, enjoy savings, and unlock upgrades and benefits. For more information visit whitecapsfc.com/flex.
On March 5, however, that will all change as the Blue and White host 2021 MLS Cup Champions New York City FC in the ‘Caps first home match of the season.
The match will mark the first time a non-Canadian Eastern Conference side has made the trek to BC Place since September 21, 2019.
With matchups such as Maxime Crépeau against Valentin Castellanos and Brian White against Sean Johnson, it’s sure to be an entertaining affair at BC Place.
Sporting Kansas City – Saturday, April 2 – BC Place
In the second home match of the season, the Blue and White will welcome their 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoff rivals Sporting Kansas City to BC Place in hopes of exacting revenge over the team that eliminated them in the post-season.
As we saw in last season’s home match against SKC, the ‘Caps were able to hold Sporting to minimal chances and take advantage of moments in transition after breaking through Sporting’s midfield.
It also saw two fellow Scotsman go head-to-head in ‘Caps attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld and Sporting KC winger Johnny Russell, with both getting on the scoresheet that night.
The meeting in April at BC Place is sure to help write another chapter in the friendly rivalry between the two former Dundee United teammates.
Portland Timbers – Saturday, April 9 – BC Place
In a historic, early season Cascadia derby, the ‘Caps welcome 2021 MLS Cup runners-up Portland Timbers to BC Place on April 9 for the 100th meeting between the two clubs all-time. The history between the two teams kicked off in 1975 when Portland joined the North American Soccer League and continued into the A-League/USL and ultimately MLS in 2011.
The 'Caps hold the edge in the all-time record at 42W-39L-18D and won the last meeting last season in memorable fashion by coming back to win 3-2 at Providence Park.
Club de Foot Montreal – Saturday, April 16 – Stade Saputo
Following the two home matches against Sporting KC and Portland Timbers, the ‘Caps are set to make the trek to the east coast to face Club de Foot Montreal on April 16, which will be one of two ‘Caps all-Canadian games live on CTV.
The match will be one of four trips the ‘Caps make to play Eastern Conference teams in 2022.
Toronto FC – Sunday, May 8 – BC Place
On May 8, the Blue and White will host Canadian rivals Toronto FC in front of fans for the first time since 2019, when the two teams played to a 1-1 draw at BC Place.
The two teams previously played against each other at BC Place behind closed doors in September 2020, with Jake Nerwinski scoring the winning goal to give the ‘Caps the 3-2 win.
Charlotte FC – Sunday, May 22 – Bank of America Stadium
The Blue and White will play their first-ever match against newest expansion team Charlotte FC on May 22 at Bank of America Stadium, the furthest away trip they’ll make throughout the season.
New England Revolution – Sunday, June 26 – BC Place
On June 26, the ‘Caps will host 2021 Supporters’ Shield winners New England Revolution in a match that will feature two of the league’s best attacking midfielders in Ryan Gauld and Carles Gil.
Gauld, who joined the ‘Caps mid-way through the 2021 season, registered 10 goal contributions (four goals, six assists) for the Blue and White in his debut season to help the ‘Caps claim a playoff spot.
The Scotsman was tied for second in the West and fifth-best in MLS in key passes per match with 2.5 in 2021.
Gil, who won the 2021 Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player award, tallied the most assists in the league with 22 and led the league in key passes with 117 over the course of a full season.
With the teams set to face off at the mid-way mark in the season with plenty of games under their belt, it’ll be a tight showdown you won’t want to miss between two of the league’s best creators.
Seattle Sounders FC – Saturday, September 17 – BC Place
Towards the end of the regular season, ‘Caps fans will get to relive the ever-exciting spectacle of another Cascadia derby against Seattle Sounders FC on September 17 at BC Place.
Given how deep into the season the match is, it could prove to be a feisty Cascadia affair with potential playoff implications on the line.
Minnesota United FC – Sunday, October 9 – Allianz Field
Rounding off our list is the 'Caps Decision Day clash against Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on October 9.
The match will mark only the second time the 'Caps play away from home on Decision Day and if last season's playoff race was anything to go by, the match could potentially have plenty of Western Conference playoff implications on the last day of the regular season.
With a full slate of home matches on tap for 2022, make sure you take advantage of the newly introduced Whitecaps FC Flex Pass, offering fans the opportunity to pick their own matches, enjoy savings, and unlock upgrades and benefits. For more information visit www.whitecapsfc.com/flex.
