Every year when the MLS schedule is released, soccer fans across the Pacific Northwest lose their minds. Just a little.
Sure, there is a full slate of matches to be had in the upcoming season…but few regular season contests matter more than those played between Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Portland Timbers.
Three franchises that have been tied together for over 40 years, it goes without saying that these are the best rivalry matches in MLS, ones that draw the attention of an entire nation of soccer fans.
2015 will be no different as the Sounders will take on Portland and Vancouver three times each. Two of the Timbers matches will be held at CenturyLink Field with the other at Providence Park. For the Whitecaps, it’s north to Canada for a pair and one in the Emerald City.
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Regardless of where they’re being played, Cascadia matches are not to be missed, no matter what part of the PNW you reside. The club that gains the most points over these matches at the end of the season is awarded the Cascadia Cup, a tangible prize to go along with the endless bragging rights provided by regional supremacy.
As the new season draws nearer, let’s take a look at the key dates in Sounders FC’s Cascadia calendar.
April 26th - Sounders FC vs Portland Timbers, CenturyLink Field
The first Cascadia match of 2015 will be a good one. In 2014, the Sounders dominated the Timbers, posting an unblemished 3-0-1 record across all competitions against the club from the south and will look to continue that unbeaten streak this season. Plus, it’s always a party when the Timbers come to town so expect big things in the form of tifos, crowds and back flips.
May 16th - Sounders FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Place
Things haven’t been as sunny against Whitecaps FC in recent times after the Canadian club lifted the Cascadia Cup for the second straight season in 2014. In doing so, they blanked the Sounders over the three matches between the clubs last season. It seems like ages since Kasey Keller was lifting the cup at Empire Field in 2011. In fact, that was the last time the Sounders tasted victory over Vancouver across the border.
June 28th - Sounders FC at Portland Timbers, Providence Park
Last season saw a pair of the most exciting Cascadia matches in MLS as the Sounders netted eight goals over two matches against the Timbers. The first was a 4-4 come-from-behind thriller that saw Clint Dempsey score his first hat trick for the club. Later that year, Seattle secured a 4-2 victory thanks in large part to the two-goal, two-assist performance from Obafemi Martins. So yeah, this next away trip to the Rose City should be a cracker.
September 19th - Sounders FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Place
With another trip to Canada for the last Cascadia match of the 2015 season, the Sounders would like to end on a high note, especially given Vancouver’s dominance over the last few years. With the schedule split evenly this year giving Seattle three home and three road matches, the Rave Green could be in a favorable position here to return the Cup to its fans in the Brougham End.
So there you have it. Plenty to look forward to in 2015, but these four Western Conference gems should be circled on your calendar. Go on, circle away, Cascadians.