The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to make a nostalgic return to Swangard Stadium for their Canadian Championship quarterfinal second leg match against Cavalry FC. The club announced via social media on Monday that the game, scheduled for July 12 or 13, will be played at their former home grounds in Burnaby's Central Park.
Why Swangard?
The Whitecaps have long indicated that the match cannot be held at B.C. Place due to the aftermath of the FIFA World Cup. The downtown stadium hosted its final World Cup game just days earlier, and FIFA will still be removing the natural grass surface installed for the tournament and replacing it with artificial turf. The Whitecaps will not be able to play at B.C. Place until August, with their first home game there scheduled against LAFC on August 1.
A Familiar Venue
The Whitecaps last played at Swangard in 2010, the year before they joined Major League Soccer and moved to Empire Field. The club is well-acquainted with the stadium, as it currently hosts the Vancouver Rise (the Whitecaps-affiliated women's professional team in the Northern Super League) and the reserve team WFC2. Fans, particularly the Southsiders, are expected to create a vibrant atmosphere, with the chant "Take me home, Boundary Road" taking on special significance.
The match against Cavalry FC is part of the Canadian Championship quarterfinals. The Whitecaps will be eager to advance after a long break from home games due to the World Cup. The return to Swangard offers a unique opportunity for supporters to relive memories and support their team in a historic venue.
