The Vancouver Whitecaps have made history, securing a spot in the MLS Western Conference final for the first time since the club joined the league in 2011. Their championship quest, however, will require a victory on the road after the matchup was finalized Monday night.
The Path to the Final
The Whitecaps' opponent was determined by the result of the other conference semifinal. Top-seeded San Diego FC secured its place as host by defeating No. 4 Minnesota United 1-0 on Monday. A goal from Anders Dreyer in the 72nd minute proved to be the winner, meaning the first-year expansion team will host the Whitecaps this Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium with a 6 p.m. kickoff.
Had Minnesota won, Vancouver would have enjoyed the home-field advantage for this pivotal match at a packed B.C. Place.
A Thrilling Semifinal Victory
Vancouver earned its ticket to the conference finale in heart-stopping fashion this past Saturday. In front of a sold-out crowd of 53,957 fans at B.C. Place, the Whitecaps battled Los Angeles FC to a 2-2 draw through regulation and extra time. The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, which Vancouver won to advance in what was a true thriller for the home supporters.
Season Series Sets the Stage
The upcoming final promises to be a tightly contested battle. During the regular season, San Diego (19-9-6) and Vancouver (18-7-9) finished tied in the standings with 63 points each. San Diego claimed the top seed by virtue of having one more victory.
The two teams split their regular-season meetings. San Diego handed the Whitecaps a 5-3 defeat at B.C. Place on June 25. Vancouver then traveled to Snapdragon Stadium on July 19 and managed a 1-1 draw.
The Whitecaps now face their biggest challenge of the season, with a trip to the MLS Cup final on the line. The team and its fans are eagerly anticipating this historic clash in Southern California.
