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.
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.
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.
More from MLS News
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- The Chicago Fire does not deserve your support anymore
- Heading to America: Alexis Sanchez Aims for New Horizons in American or Mexican Soccer
- Ethan Horvath: The Bridge Between Two Worlds in Soccer
The ‘Caps have dropped two straight in MLS play, losing 2-1 to the Colorado Rapids on July 4 and 1-0 to Sporting Kansas City on July 12. The Timbers, however, have won six of their last eight and are quickly vying their way to the top of the Western Conference standings.
The Timbers sit just one point behind the Whitecaps, who are in a three-way tie for second, and three points behind the LA Galaxy for first in the Western Conference.
Remaining Cascadia Cup matches this season:
Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Providence Park (July 18)
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC at CenturyLink Field (Aug. 1)
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers at CenturyLink Field (Aug. 30)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC at BC Place (Sept. 19)