Preview: 'Caps return to MLS action, host Eastern Conference side Philadelphia Union at BC Place | Watch on MLS Season Pass, TSN

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HOW TO WATCH: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, TSN
LISTEN: 730 CKNW, 101.3 HD3, CKNW.com
TICKETS: Limited tickets remain for Saturday's home match at BC Place

Following a three-week break from MLS action, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (14W-6L-7D) are set to return to league play with an enticing home clash against Supporters' Shield leaders Philadelphia Union (17W-6L-6D) this Saturday, September 13 at BC Place. It's a match-up that bares plenty of similarities between the two sides and a game that could have future playoff and Shield implications for both teams. A win or a draw on Saturday would see the 'Caps clinch a berth in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, which would mark the earliest Vancouver has booked their ticket to the postseason in their MLS era, overtaking the mark set last year on September 28 in match 30 of 34. Saturday's match will also be BC Soccer's Youth & Family Match, presented by RE/MAX, with several activations set to take place throughout the day. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT.

WEEKLY STORYLINES

BACK TO IT: After three weeks of hard work in training, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are back in MLS regular season action this week as they host Supporters’ Shield leaders Philadelphia Union in a cross-conference clash at BC Place. It’s a match-up that bears plenty of similarities between the two sides, with each boasting German sporting directors in Vancouver's Axel Schuster and Philadelphia's Ernst Tanner and both sides sitting at the top of points per game this season, with Philly leading the way with 1.97 and the ‘Caps in fourth with 1.81. Not to mention, both teams also started the year with new head coaches and had their preseason camps in Marbella, Spain. Saturday’s meeting will be the first encounter between the two team since April 2019.

MOVING PIECES: Over the past weeks, the footballing world shifted its focus to the international stage, with numerous teams continuing their push toward next summer’s FIFA Men’s World Cup. A total of eight 'Caps players were away representing their countries. Andrés Cubas helped Paraguay qualify for the World Cup, Kenji Cabrera earned his first international caps with Peru, Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson helped Canada claim back-to-back shutout wins in Europe, Sebastian Berhalter and Tristan Blackmon suited up for the United States, Giuseppe Bovalina represented Australia's U-23s, and Liam Mackenzie was away with Canada's U-18 side. The group returned to Vancouver this week to continue preparations for the match against Philadelphia. In addition, the 'Caps made some moves before the roster freeze on Friday, adding Homegrown forward Rayan Elloumi from WFC2, recalling goalkeeper Max Anchor from his loan at Pacific FC, and signing WFC2 defender Mark O'Neill.

CHASING RECORDS: With their last win over St. Louis, the 'Caps are now one victory away from clinching a spot in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. It would mark the 'Caps third consecutive postseason appearance, the first time achieving the feat in club's MLS era, and their fourth playoff berth in the past five years. Currently sitting third in the West with 49 points, the 'Caps are just five points away from setting a regular season points record in their MLS era. Vancouver's best MLS season to date came in 2015, when they finished with 53 points. Vancouver's 49 points this year has already surpassed their totals from each of the past three seasons - 47 in 2024, 48 in 2023, 43 in 2022. The 'Caps will also be looking to book their spot in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship final as they host Forge FC in the second leg of the semifinals next Tuesday. Vancouver is aiming to make history as the first team to capture the Voyageurs Cup four straight years in the tournament’s modern era.

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