By the Numbers: The Cascadia Cup

The Cascadia Cup has created a profound rivalry among the three MLS clubs in the Pacific Northwest for years. This season is no different as the tradition continues to intensify.

This North American coastal derby features the likes of Western Conference heavyweights: Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Portland Timbers.

Oct 10, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson raises the Cascadia Cup following a 1-0 victory against the Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Passionate supporters from the three teams came together to create the Cascadia Cup in 2004 back when the teams were part of the United Soccer Leagues First Division. They even created a two-foot-tall silver trophy in honour of the camaraderie.

For a team to win the trophy in any given season, it needs to have collected the most points in head-to-head regular season play against its Cascadia Cup rivals. The team with the best record is declared the winner.

Vancouver won the trophy five times in its history, while Portland and Seattle both won it three times. The Whitecaps won the last two Cascadia Cups and are looking to defend their crown again this year.

The ‘Caps are also trying to make history by being the first of the three clubs to win the trophy three years in a row.

May 16, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Seattle Sounders forward Chad Barrett (19) goes up for a header against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the second half at BC Place. The Seattle Sounders won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

However, this season, Seattle is currently in first place with six points through three games played. Vancouver, on the other hand, is in second with four points through three games. Portland is also tied with Vancouver with four points, but the Timbers sit in third because they have an extra loss to their name.

Current 2015 Cascadia Cup Standings:

1. Seattle Sounders FC: 2W, 1L, 0D (6 points)

2. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 1W, 1L, 1D (4 points)

3. Portland Timbers: 1W, 2L, 1D (4 points)

Saturday night will feature yet another clash between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers with Cascadia Cup stipulations on the line. Meeting at Providence Park in Portland, this is also the last bout between the two sides this season.

Not only is this an important Cascadia Cup battle, but it is also a significant MLS tilt as well. With only one point separating these two teams in the Western Conference standings, collecting three points will be invaluable to either side.