VANCOUVER, BC
– Vancouver Whitecaps FC will open their 2018 MLS season against long-time Canadian rivals Montreal Impact on Sunday, March 4 at BC Place. Kickoff for the 2018 season opener will be at 3 p.m. PT.
Tickets can be purchased now as part of a Whitecaps FC Holiday Pack. The Holiday Pack includes two tickets and a scarf for only $70, or four tickets and two scarves for just $135. To purchase a holiday pack, visit whitecapsfc.com/holidaypack. Single match tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, February 9. Season ticket memberships are also available, starting at only $44 per month. Fans can secure their tickets to every match in 2018 at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
“We’re very excited to be kicking off our 2018 season against one of our fiercest rivals,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “We’ve had many battles with Montreal over the years. Whether it has been in USL, MLS, or the Canadian Championship, there has always been plenty of tension, excitement, and bad blood. We’re already counting down the days to March 4.”
Whitecaps FC will enter the 2018 season with several new additions to the roster. Already this offseason the 'Caps have acquired Venezuelan international striker Anthony Blondell, experienced MLS striker Kei Kamara, and former LA Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe. The 'Caps have also added a pair of young players in Homegrown midfielder David Norman Jr. and New Zealand international striker Myer Bevan.
This will be the third time that Whitecaps FC host Montreal Impact in their MLS season opener. In 2012, the ‘Caps won 2-0 in the Impact’s inaugural MLS match, and in 2016 Montreal took a 3-2 win at BC Place.
Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact have a long history that dates back to both clubs having their first teams in the former USL First Division. From 2006 to 2009 the two sides met three times in the playoffs. The ‘Caps won the semifinal series in both 2006 and 2008 on their way to two USL titles, while Montreal defeated Vancouver in the 2009 final.
In the Canadian Championship, Vancouver and Montreal have played each other in seven of the 10 tournaments since 2008, including twice in the final. The Impact defeated the ‘Caps in the 2013 final, while Carl Robinson and his team beat Montreal to capture the club’s first Voyageurs Cup in 2015.
The complete 2018 MLS regular season schedule will be announced in January. For the latest news and information, visit whitecapsfc.com.
