VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that for the first time in the club’s MLS history, the upper bowl will be open as the ‘Caps host defending MLS Cup champions Los Angeles FC in a must-win MLS Cup Playoffs match this coming Sunday, November 5 at 4:30 p.m. PT.
“This is the biggest match and we are expecting the biggest crowd in our MLS history. Our supporters have shown up,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer. “We’ve built a real rivalry with LAFC this season. Now we are back at BC Place and we are ready to make history. We saw in the first match what kind of series this is, one that is entertaining for fans, but also an incredible challenge against a team who are defending champions for a reason. We believe in our group to even this series up, and we will need every last person in that stadium to be loud and to bring their energy to help us continue what has been a very exciting and successful season so far. We want as many people as possible to experience this day, so we encourage anyone who wants to be at the match to get their tickets as soon as possible.”
- Tickets available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecaps
Prior to the match, Whitecaps FC will be hosting the club’s biggest Warmup pre-match party yet on Terry Fox Plaza. Rain or shine, the party will be covered, with a 1,000-person capacity featuring drinks starting at $5, DJ Juice spinning tunes, facepainters and an exclusive player signing on-site.
- For the best rate on tickets, bring a group by contacting groups@whitecapsfc.com
The Asahi Super Dry Landing and general admission for Sunday's match are sold out. Limited lower bowl tickets remain. Premium suites are also available to purchase by contacting premium@whitecapsfc.com.
Every Round One game will have a winner; no ties, no aggregate score. If a match is tied at the end of regulation, no extra time will be played. Teams will participate in kicks from the penalty spot to determine the winner. The first team to win two matches will advance.
LAFC took the first match with a win at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. It was an enthralling first half, with the home side twice taking the lead before Whitecaps FC battled back to go into halftime even at 2-2 through goals from Brian White and Sam Adekugbe. LAFC would go on to score three times in the second half to take the first match, with the series now shifting to BC Place for Match 2, and if necessary Match 3 next Thursday back in California.
The winner of this series will play the winner of second place Seattle Sounders FC and seventh place FC Dallas in the Western Conference Semifinals, following the FIFA international window, on November 25 or 26. The MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Finals will take place on December 2 or 3 and MLS Cup on December 9.
