History
The original Vancouver Whitecaps were a part of the no longer existing North American Soccer League from 1974 – 1984. After the NASL would collapse, the Whitecaps would continue to operate in several different leagues in the region until 2009 when they were awarded the seventeenth Major League Soccer franchise.
Their inaugural MLS season was in 2011 and they started in dream fashion, beating Canadian rival, Toronto FC 4 – 2. However, an eleven match winless streak would follow their opening win.
The Whitecaps would finish 9th in the West in their opening season. The next three seasons they made playoffs twice, both times finishing 5th in the Western Conference but not being able to get past the first round.
The best season the Whitecaps have had in their history came in 2015. They finished 2nd in the West, reached the Quarterfinals in the playoffs, and won the Canadian Cup qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time.
Vancouver’s last playoff appearance came in 2017 when they reached the Quarterfinals. The Whitecaps haven’t made the playoffs since then. In the 2021 season, things were looking up for the Whitecaps as they went on an unbeaten streak at the tail end of the season but just missed out on making the playoffs.
Present
Vancouver hasn’t been able to build on their encouraging end to their 2021 season as they currently sit in last place in the Western Conference. Up until now they have been struggling but they may have gained some newfound confidence after going unbeaten for three straight matches.
Those matches were all at home, but now they are leaving Vancouver to head to Charlotte. The Whitecaps have yet to earn points away from home, losing all five away matches so far this season.
Key Players
Ryan Gauld: The Scottish attacking midfielder was brought in the middle of last season and immediately made an impact helping revive the Whitecaps season. He’s a clever player who excels at making the killer pass.
Brian White: White arrived around the same time as Gauld last season and went on to contribute 12 goals and 5 assists in Vancouver’s late effort to make the playoffs. He’s a poacher in every sense of the word, if he gets service, he can punish you.
Cristian Dájome: The last of Vancouver's attacking trident is winger Cristian Dájome, who interestingly enough played under Charlotte FC head coach Miguel Ramírez at Independiente del Valle. He scored 10 goals and assisted 5 others last season for the Whitecaps. He's a versatile player who's direct and always a threat in behind.
