The Third Sub

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC. To begin, they look at the big story of the weekend, and that's the Whitecaps, who suffered a loss they'll want to quickly forget in their first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup final. After defying the odds and making history just to reach this match, one where they had dreams of finishing the job, they instead suffered a nightmare 5-0 defeat vs. Liga MX giants, Cruz Azul, who won their 7th CCC in the process. How did it all go so wrong for the Whitecaps? Alex and Sam try their best to answer that question, as they look at all of the factors that went against the 'Caps in this match, from their squad, travel plans and much more. Once through that, they start to then look forward, as they look at what a result like this could mean for the 'Caps long-term goals, given that they've still got so much to play for in 2025, with a Canadian Championship, Supporters Shield and MLS Cup still all up for grabs. Lastly, they round off the show with a quick look at Vancouver FC and Pacific FC, who both drew Canadian Premier League matches this weekend, but in very different fashion, as they explore. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.  

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of their massive matchup against Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup final on Sunday, June 1st at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City.To begin, they dive into what to expect from the Whitecaps in this final, as they look to continue this magical CCC run, finishing it off on a high note after finding some big results in the previous rounds. Yet, despite that, they aren't dealing with as much pressure as one would expect—a credit to both their mentality and what they're up against.Speaking of, they dive into what to expect from Cruz Azul, who are arguably the most balanced team the Whitecaps have faced this year. Despite that, this is a desperate Cruz Azul side, who need to deliver a trophy to their fans after dealing with multiple heartbreaking losses to their rivals in the Liga MX playoffs in 2024-2025.That desperation could help them, but it can also be a disadvantage - it might be up to the Whitecaps to ensure it's more of the latter than the former.Lastly, they wrap up the final preview by looking at what to expect from both teams in terms of lineups, before finishing with a prediction.Otherwise, they wrap up the show by diving into some other key Whitecaps topics, as well as with a quick look with what's on tap for the other professional BC teams this weekend, one that will be quite busy for Canadian soccer.Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

In Episode 243 of the Third Sub Podcast, Alexandre Gangue-Ruzic and Samuel Rowan dive into a busy week of action for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC, Vancouver Rise and more. Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more.To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have dealt with a bit of a slump as of late, at least by their lofty standards.Sitting with three straight draws in all competitions, their performances have also dipped a little bit, too, which is of concern with the Concacaf Champions Cup final rapidly approaching.At the same time, despite that, they continue to pick up results, which is never a bad thing to do, as good teams sometimes have to find a way to do that throughout a long season.Now, however, two critical tests await the Whitecaps over their next two games - first, they're away to RSL, before hosting Minnesota United, with those two MLS games being the last games the Whitecaps have as tune-up opportunities ahead of their CCC final vs. Cruz Azul on June 1st.Meanwhile, in the CPL, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC continue to roll along, but in different directions.On one hand, there's Vancouver, who have seemed to find an identity as a team as of late, but are just missing the execution to turn good performances into wins. Then, with Pacific, they've had some great flashes, but also some bad ones, as consistency has been what has dogged them.Lastly, the Vancouver Rise are surging after a big midweek result, and are looking to build on that momentum against the Calgary Wild this upcoming weekend. Having finally had their long-awaited breakthrough offensively in open-play, they'll look to build on that while tidying things up at the back going forward.Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Rise, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have continued their red-hot start to the 2025 season over the past few weeks. First, in the Concacaf Champions Cup, they managed to defeat Inter Miami 5-1 on aggregate across two legs in the semi-finals of that tournament, allowing them to reach the final for the first time. Now, they'll play a Cruz Azul team that has been in excellent form in this competition, of which they're one of the winningest teams historically, in what should be a fantastic final between two fun teams to watch. Meanwhile, in MLS play, the Whitecaps are also continuing to cruise, as they still sit atop MLS's Supporters Shield standings, having continued to pick up big results in league play despite juggling their CCC responsibilities. Now, things don't get any easier for the Whitecaps, who have three MLS matches and one Canadian Championship clash to deal with before the CCC final, but based on how they've been playing, they'll just try to keep the good times rolling as they get set to tackle a crucial three-week period. Elsewhere, the BC Canadian Premier League teams have been off to mixed starts to their campaigns, with Vancouver FC now finding their feet in league play after a slow start, while Pacific is looking to recover after a strong start turned into a mini-slump. So far, Vancouver has the edge between these two teams, especially after defeating Pacific in the preliminary round of the Canadian Championship, something they hope gives them momentum going forward, but Pacific will be pleased they bounced back from that VFC loss with a big home win vs. York United days later. Lastly, the Vancouver Rise have continued their start to their inaugural campaign, sitting second in the NSL standings through four matches. Despite that, they've got plenty to work on, especially offensively, although they'll be pleased with how organized they've been defensively, giving them a good base to build on as they look to find more goals going forward. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have continued a good start to their MLS season, beating Austin FC at home before drawing St.Louis City on the road, with both of those results being enough to keep them atop of MLS's Supporters Shield standings through nine games. Now, however, a big test awaits - their Concacaf Champions Cup semi-final against Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Can the Whitecaps pull off the upset and reach their first-ever continental final? It's not as far-fetched as you think, as this is a battle of the two top teams in MLS right now - and on paper, the Whitecaps have every reason to believe they can come out on top.Of course, when there are players like Messi involved, nothing is ever that easy - yet, that's why this tie is so fascinating, as Alex and Sam dive into. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps as they continue to navigate a busy stretch of action. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who got past Pumas UNAM on away goals in the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup this week, setting up a date with Inter Miami in the semi-finals later this month. A historic result for the club, who found it despite missing several key regulars, it has set up what is sure to be a memorable matchup with Miami, for a multitude of reasons. Meanwhile, they'll turn their focus back to MLS, where they've done pretty well for themselves - they sit first in MLS after a win vs. the Colorado Rapids this past weekend, one where they confidently defeated the Rapids 2-0 at BC Place. Now, they'll look to further fortify their place atop the league standings this weekend, where they'll host Austin FC at BC Place, in what will be a fascinating clash of styles. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, who have continued their strong start to 2025 MLS season. First, they beat FC Dallas in Dallas to extend their start to 4-0-0, but then came crashing down to earth in a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Fire. Despite that loss to the Fire, there's plenty of reason for optimism - they remain first in the league, were severely shorthanded due to a weird MLS scheduling quirk which doesn't see them pause for international breaks (a subject which Alex and Sam have plenty to say on), and still played well despite the defeat. Now, they'll look to bounce back, with something a lot closer to their usual squad, as they travel to take on a struggling Toronto FC who have just one point from their first 14 games. Can the Whitecaps pile more misery on a TFC team trying to build any semblance of momentum? That'll be their big goal from their trip to the 6ix, as they get set for a big month of April. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps as they continue their strong start to the 2025 season. To begin, they dive into the big result for the Whitecaps from the past week - their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 triumph (3-3 on aggregate, advancing on away goals) against Liga MX giants CF Monterrey, setting up a quarter-final date against Pumas UNAM. Arguably one of the biggest successes of the Whitecaps MLS era, eliminating Monterrey was no fluke for these Whitecaps, either, as they continue to quickly find their feet under their new manager, playing some excellent soccer in the second leg on the road. Along with a hot start in MLS play, as they defeated CF Montréal this past weekend to improve to 3W-0D-0L to start an MLS season for the first time, everything's clicking nicely right now for the Whitecaps, who are doing this despite dealing with a congested schedule and key injuries. Now, they'll look to ride the high from their Monterrey result back into MLS play, as a tough away game against a resurgent FC Dallas side awaits this upcoming weekend. They dive into what to expect from that one, as the Whitecaps look to make more history once again with another positive result. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps as they continue to navigate the start of their 2025 campaign. First, they dive into the latest Whitecaps matches, which included a big MLS victory over the LA Galaxy on the weekend, one that was sandwiched by a big 2-0 win over Deportivo Saprissa in the second leg of their first round Concacaf Champions Cup tie and a 1-1 draw vs. CF Monterrey in the first leg of their Round of 16 CCC tie. With three strong performances in those matches, the Whitecaps have done well to find their feet under new manager Jesper Sørensen, and they dive into why that has been, as his approach has seemed to resonate quickly with this group, one who seems to be enjoying their soccer at the moment. Now, they get set for some big tests - first, a home clash against CF Montréal awaits in MLS play, before a trip to Mexico to play Monterrey in the second leg of the CCC tie will come a few days later. There, look for the Whitecaps to keep building on what they've shown so far, continuing this strong start to the year. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.  

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who kicked off their 2025 slate of competitive matches with a pair of games over the past week. First, they started with the Whitecaps' first match, which was the first leg of their first-round Concacaf Champions Cup tie against CD Saprissa, coming down in San José, Costa Rica. Unfortunately, Jesper Sørensen's first match as Whitecaps head coach didn't go as planned - his side fell 2-1 after a dramatic late winner from the hosts, putting them at a disadvantage heading into the second leg.  Despite that late heartbreak, however, the Whitecaps did well to pick themselves up in time for their MLS season opener just a few days later up in Oregon against their rivals, the Portland Timbers. There, they were able to capitalize on an early red card and picked up a dominant 4-1 win, headlined by Jayden Nelson's magical one-goal, three-assist effort, to give them their first opening day win since 2021. Now, they get set for another big pair of games, this time at home - the second leg clash of their tie against Saprissa in Champions Cup action, and their home opener against the defending MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy.It won't be easy, as playing this many games early in a season can always prove to bring its challenges, but they look at how the Whitecaps can navigate these two matches and emerge on the other side in a good position to continue their Champions Cup journey while pushing themselves up MLS's Western Conference standings. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps as they get set for the start of their 2025 campaign!To begin, they dive into the latest news out of the 'Caps, who weren't done bringing in new faces ahead of the new season, signing veteran striker Daniel Ríos this week. Despite being more of a depth move at first glance, however, it could be an important one for the 'Caps, and they dive into why that is the case. After that, they take a look at the first Whitecaps match of the season, a first-round Concacaf Champions Cup clash against CD Saprissa, which kicks off this week with leg one of the tie down in Costa Rica. Lastly, they finish off the episode with a big preview of the 2025 Whitecaps season, looking at what the expectations should be for them in the CCC, Canadian Championship and MLS play, as well as what to expect from the players individually and new head coach Jesper Sørensen. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps in a jam-packed show.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have now completed three preseason games (as of recording), including two free matches on the team's YouTube channel. Having watched those 180 minutes of action, Alex and Sam dive into what they learned from them, showing how the team is faring in their first minutes under new head coach Jesper Sørensen.  After that, they dive into the news that a new signing is on the way, as the Whitecaps look close to bringing in American forward Emmanuel Sabbi, per reports this week.  Is he what the club needs at this moment? They dive into why he could be a good replacement for Fafá Picault, with an upside for more depending on how he fits into his new team's system.  Lastly, they take a look at what other incomings could be on the way after the arrival of Jayden Nelson and Sabbi, as the Whitecaps look to fill the last few holes in their roster, with none bigger than the one left behind by the departure of DP Stuart Armstrong.  But can they even replace Armstrong before they kick off the MLS season? They look at how realistic that could be for a team who has done their best business in the summer, leaving them in an awkward position for a team looking to get off to a strong start to the season.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to a BONUS episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, for a bit of extra chatter, as they dive into the surprise news from this week that Stuart Armstrong is set to leave the Whitecaps to join Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.  A big move given Armstrong's DP status and recent arrival in Vancouver, they dive into what this move means for Armstrong, the Whitecaps and their plan to contend for trophies this year.  One thing is for sure - the pressure is mounting for these Whitecaps, who enter the month of February with a lot of business to do now, as this Armstrong move has compounded the team's quietly tough offseason in a big way.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, CPL and more.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have finally made their first offseason transfer, bringing in former Toronto FC youngster Jayden Nelson on a permanent deal.  They dive into what to expect from Nelson, who has struggled to find his best position as a professional, something he'll look to change in Vancouver.  After that, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps preseason, as they've opened their scheduled slate of games in Marbella with a 3-2 loss to Polish side Raków Częstochowa. In a game which was played behind closed doors, they dive into what they learned from the roster information and highlights provided, getting an idea of what can be gleaned from that experience.  To cap off MLS chatter, they then look at the latest out of MLS, who continues to handle the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup in a strange manner, but have helped the Whitecaps in the process.  Lastly, they dive into the latest out of the CPL, where Pacific FC's quietly been making moves, gearing up for a big 2025 campaign.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! As usual, Alex and Sam are back, this time joined by a special guest - Toke Theilade of Danish publication Vilfort Park! Naturally, the three had one big topic to speak of - the arrival of Danish head coach, Jesper Sørensen, to the Vancouver Whitecaps.  Having arrived with a strong CV as a player and coach in his home country, Theilade helps Alex and Sam get a better understanding of what Sørensen will bring to the Whitecaps, as he arrives armed with a flexible tactical profile based around possession-play and a desire to develop youth - which he combines with dry humour off the pitch.  Amid a golden generation of Danish coaches, it's a fascinating hire, and Theilade helps show why, explaining that those back home will heavily follow Sørensen's journey due to the unique adventure he is about to undertake.  After their conversation with Theilade, Alex and Sam further dive into what they expect Sørensen to do with the Whitecaps, getting an idea of which players might benefit from his arrival, and who could be set to struggle.  Lastly, they set the table for what this means for the Whitecaps as they kick off their preseason, in which they'll have to adapt to their new manager while potentially making a few new signings, and they look at what the next few weeks of action could look like on both fronts.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps! To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps' offseason, as the start of preseason starts to creep up on everyone here.  Despite that, the Whitecaps remain without a head coach and any new signings, and they dive into why that is the case, and what that means for them.  After that, they dive into what they expect in terms of the new coach and prospective signings, and what the anticipated timelines could be for both of those things.  Then, they wrap up offseason talk by looking at some of the other small moves that have happened, including some intriguing re-signings and some key departures.  Lastly, they dive into the big Whitecaps news of the offseason - the news that the club is for sale. They dive into all of the implications of that news in the short and long-term, and what it could mean for the future of the club.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back as usual, this time to chat about all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific, and more.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have had a quiet few weeks after Vanni Sartini's departure. As a result, Alex and Sam take the time to look back at their pre-season predictions, seeing how the Whitecaps compared to those prognostics, and what that has taught them about their 2025 outlook.  After that, they dive into the 2024 season that was for both BC Canadian Premier League teams, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC.  First, they start with Vancouver, who despite a massive offseason, was unable to take the big step they were hoping to make in 2024. Now, that's put them in a tough spot heading into 2025, where they'll start to feel the pressure as they enter their third year as a club.  Meanwhile, with Pacific, despite making the playoffs, the pressure is on there, too, as they look to rebuild on the fly after losing some more key pieces. After making the playoffs in five straight seasons, they face a big uphill battle to repeat that feat for a sixth straight year in 2025, with a big roster build ahead of them.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, who kicked off their offseason in a big way this week.  To begin, they dive into the big news out of Whitecaps-land this week - the end of the Vanni Sartini era as Whitecaps head coach, as he was let go this week.  First, they reminisce on some of Sartini's best memories with the Whitecaps, before diving into the key details of this move, including the timing of the move, and what his potential replacement might look like.  Then, they look at the other Whitecaps news from this week, as the club released their post-season roster decisions, in which they made some big calls regarding who they'll be bringing back for 2025, and who looks to be on the way out.  Quietly, that's opened the door for some big moves this offseason, and they dive into what those moves could look like, giving an early glimpse at what the Whitecaps winter could look like.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps.  To begin, they look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, whose journey through the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs came to an end last weekend.  After doing well to force a third and decisive elimination game in their first-round series vs. LAFC, they were unable to extend their playoff run down in LA, as they fell 1-0 at BMO Stadium. Despite another strong showing, they were unable to convert on some early chances and got punished for a sloppy mistake in the middle of the park, much like was the case in game #1 in LA.  Now, the focus shifts to the offseason for the Whitecaps, who have some big decisions to make in terms of their roster and coaching staff. Alex and Sam dive into those decisions, taking a look at what they feel might happen over the next few months, as the Whitecaps gear up for a massive 2025 season, one that's arguably the peak for this core as currently assembled, and they share why that's the case.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps and their run through the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who picked up a massive win over LAFC in game #2 of their first-round best-of-three playoff series at BC Place on Sunday, extending the series to a third and decisive game.  In just their second playoff win at BC Place in their MLS era, they picked up one of their biggest results of the past decade, dispatching LAFC 3-0 with a complete performance on both sides of the ball.  It took some creative tactical tweaks to orchestrate the victory, including the shift of Ali Ahmed into midfield and inserting Sebastian Berhalter in at right back, but they paid off, giving the Whitecaps a key edge heading into game #3.  Speaking of game #3, Alex and Sam dive into what they're expecting from that match, as the Whitecaps look to complete the comeback from down 1-0 to reach the Western Conference semi-finals.  It's going to take another strong performance and some important lineup decisions, and they look at what the Whitecaps will need to do that as they try and make that happen.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who faced LAFC in game #1 of their MLS Cup playoffs first-round best-of-three series. There, unfortunately, despite a strong performance, they left empty-handed, as they fell 2-1 in LA. As is often the case when facing LAFC, being good between the boxes wasn't enough, as LAFC's dominance in both boxes ended up making the difference on the day.  Now, the series shifts to Vancouver, where the Whitecaps will need to win at BC Place to keep their season alive (or draw and win on penalties), or else they risk being swept by LAFC for a second straight season.  Can they actually beat this LAFC side, however? They look at what will need to happen in this second game for that to even be a possibility, before previewing potential lineups and key battles to watch.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps and Pacific FC.  To begin with, they dive into the latest from the Whitecaps, who advanced through MLS's Western Conference Wild Card match in style by beating the Portland Timbers 5-0 on Wednesday.   Arguably one of their best performances of their MLS era, they dive into what stood out from that win, as the Whitecaps seemed to hit all of the right notes in that game, both tactically and individually. Now, however, the Whitecaps won't have much time to think about that win, as they're now getting set to take on LAFC in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, in a rematch of the 2023 playoffs.  Can they legitimately cause problems for LAFC? Can they carry over the blueprint used vs. Portland? Will fatigue play a factor?  They dive into all of the key questions surrounding this LAFC series, before previewing what they expect out of game #1, which goes this Sunday in Los Angeles.  Lastly, they finish with some Canadian Premier League talk, as they look at Pacific's elimination from the CPL playoffs, which came at the hands of York United in midweek, seeing what this means for the Tridents.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more.  To begin, there's the latest out of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who fell 2-1 to Real Salt Lake in their final match of the 2024 MLS regular season. A game in which they led in the second half, they were unable to hold onto that lead late, as they lost their fourth straight game in a row to end the campaign.   Now, that's pushed the 'Caps into a position they didn't think they'd be in a month ago - MLS's play-in match, as they must now beat the Portland Timbers on Wednesday to book their spot in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.  Alex and Sam preview what you need to know about this Portland match, one that could potentially be era-defining for this Whitecaps team, win or lose, and they look at why that is the case.  After that, they take a look at the CPL, where both BC teams capped off their regular season slates this weekend, with Vancouver FC drawing Atlético Ottawa 0-0, and Pacific beating Forge FC 1-0. Thanks to those results, Pacific clinched a spot in the playoffs, doing so just ahead of Vancouver, marking the fifth straight year in which Pacific will participate in the playoffs.  As a result, they're also getting set for a midweek clash on the road, with their playoff journey kicking off with an elimination match against York United on Wednesday, one that Alex and Sam make sure to preview before the end of the show.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more.  To begin, there's the latest out of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who for the first time since 2022, have lost three games in a row in MLS play, as they fell 2-1 to LAFC to extend their losing streak to three games and their winless run in MLS play to six games.  They look at what stood out from the LAFC game, diving into a familiar trend that stood out, one that might prove to be costly as they get set for the playoffs.  Speaking of the playoffs, the Whitecaps will now play their last game before the postseason this upcoming weekend on the road to RSL, and they preview that match, seeing what the Whitecaps will need to do to bust their slump ahead of the playoffs while also improving their postseason seeding.  Meanwhile, in the CPL, the final weekend of action looms, with both Pacific FC and Vancouver FC sitting in the hunt to earn the fifth and final playoff spot. Which of the two will earn that spot? Or could Valour leapfrog both of them and leave them on the outside looking in? They'll find out this weekend during "The Outcome", the CPL's regular season finale.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more.  To begin, they look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, who continue to struggle in MLS play, falling 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders in midweek before losing 1-0 to Minnesota United to make it five games without a win in MLS play.  They try their best to diagnose what has gone wrong with this Whitecaps team as of late, as it feels like a mix of multiple factors have come together to create this strange stretch.  Now, the Whitecaps will look to bust that slump this weekend against LAFC in a strange match where both sides will be missing several key regulars due to the international break.  Meanwhile, in the CPL, things remain as chaotic as ever in the race for the playoffs, with just one point separating the fifth and final playoff spot from last place in the table, meaning that race for the playoffs will literally come down to the wire.  Will Vancouver FC or Pacific FC be able to nab that one remaining playoff spot? Or will Valour or Halifax find a way to do so? Vancouver has the edge in that race heading into a massive game against Valour this weekend, but it still remains too early to call in terms of how things might finish and they look at why that is the case.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps men's team, who had a big week of action in both league and cup play.  Of course, their biggest achievement of them all? Defeating Toronto FC on penalties in the Canadian Championship final to give the Whitecaps their third straight Voyageurs Cup crown and fourth overall.  It was far from the Whitecaps' best performance, but that showcased their growth as a team, as they still found a way to win despite that.  From there, they had to turn their focus back to MLS play, which didn't go as planned as they drew the Portland Timbers 1-1 in a game they probably should've won, and they dive into why that is the case.  Now, they get set for their next test, a crucial home clash against the Seattle Sounders, kicking off a crucial stretch of four MLS games to end the year.  Lastly, they finish with some Whitecaps women's chatter, as their women's League 1 BC side continued their adventure through the Concacaf Champions Cup with a home clash against NWSL side San Diego Wave at BC Place this past week, and they share their thoughts on how that one went down.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of a big week for Vancouver's MLS side.  Set to host the Canadian Championship final against Toronto FC, the Whitecaps are looking for their third-straight Voyageurs Cup trophy in a massive match for the club.  Before then, however, they had to visit the first-place team in MLS's Western Conference this past weekend, as they took on the LA Galaxy on the road, falling 4-2 with a rotated squad.  Despite that, it didn't feel like a 4-2 game, and they dive into why they felt that was the case, as the Whitecaps still put up a good performance, only finding themselves undone by a few key mistakes.  Now, the 'Caps will look to put that behind them as they get set for this TFC test. A team that can be fun to watch on their day, it's been an inconsistent season for the Toronto-based outfit, but they'll want to peak just in time to lift their first trophy in two years.  A John Herdman-coached side who have done a good job of adapting to their new bench boss in his first season in charge after arriving from Canada's National Teams, they'll have plenty of reasons to want to lift a trophy this week.  Alex and Sam dive into everything you need to know ahead of that game, including what to watch tactically, key matchups and much more.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC and more. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who had a busy week, as they first defeated the San Jose Earthquakes at home before drawing the Houston Dynamo on the road.  They look at what they learned in both of those performances, in which the 'Caps showed what they can look like when at their best against the Earthquakes, before showing good tactical flexibility against the Dynamo.  Plus, some key depth players stepped up in a big way, too, which can only help the Whitecaps as they get set to tackle what's next for them on a busy schedule.  Speaking of, they take a look at the Whitecaps' next game, a road clash against a Western Conference-leading LA Galaxy side, where they'll need to deal with the threat of the Galaxy while preparing for a big Canadian Championship final matchup in midweek. Lastly, they dive into the latest out of the B.C. CPL teams, who were fresh off playing each other in the latest edition of the Salish Sea Derby, which finished 3-0 in the favour of Pacific FC, who beat Vancouver FC for the first in five matches.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who despite missing several key players due to injuries and international duty, were able to draw FC Dallas 0-0 at BC Place in a game they probably could've even won.  They dive into what they learned from that one, as the Whitecaps continue to earn the respect of their opponents, which while a sign of how good this team has become, can also pose its challenges.  After that, they look ahead to what's next for the Whitecaps, who get set to host the San Jose Earthquakes in a crucial must-win game against a side that's struggled heavily in 2024.  From there, they take a look at the other big game in BC this weekend, and that's the Salish Sea Derby between Pacific and Vancouver at Starlight Stadium, which is a massive six-point match for both teams.  Lastly, they take a look out of what they learned from Jesse Marsch's visit to Vancouver, as they got to hear from the Canadian Men's National Team in a special press conference held at the Whitecaps training ground, in which Marsch shared a lot of interesting details about what's next for his team, the sport in the province and much more.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more.  To begin, they dive into the latest news out of the Whitecaps men's team, who returned to MLS action this week with a 1-0 win over Austin FC.  They look at what stood out from that victory, as the Whitecaps continue to be quite good on the road, picking up another vital road win on their hunt for a top-four spot in MLS's Western Conference.  That wasn't the only news out of Whitecaps-land this week, however, as the club also announced a new signing, as Scottish international Stuart Armstrong was revealed to be the 'Caps' latest DP. They dive deep into what to expect from that signing, one that could prove to be a big one, on and off the field. From there, they preview the Whitecaps' next game, a home clash against FC Dallas where they'll be missing several key regulars. Despite that, they've still got a good chance at winning, although they'll need to rely on some key performances from some who haven't seen the pitch as much lately if they're to pick up all three points.  Continuing on, they dive into some CPL chatter, taking a look at the latest out of Vancouver FC and Pacific FC, who are getting set for some massive home games this weekend. Both matches that could determine how the rest of their season goes, they look at what to expect from those games, and what it could mean for both in the long run.  Lastly, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps women's side, who made history this week in the group stages of Concacaf W Champions Cup, where they were able to pick up a landmark victory over Panamanian side Santa Fe down in Panama, setting the table for two exciting CCC matches at BC Place in October.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps and Vancouver Rise amid a busy week for both the men's and women's sides.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who played their first game since the beginning of the month, as they took on Pacific FC in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semi-finals.  Having had all of that time off after their elimination from the Leagues Cup, it made for a strange return, as there's no doubt that the break was beneficial for a team that was nursing some key injuries, but it also reset the momentum of their campaign.  Despite that, they put that behind them nicely against Pacific, taking care of business to advance to their third straight Canadian Championship final in comfortable fashion.  Now, they turn their focus back to MLS play, where a crucial stretch awaits, starting with a road match against Austin FC this weekend. They dive into what to expect from that game, where the Whitecaps will have to be ready for an Austin side that can be very 'boom or bust' depending on the week you play them.  Lastly, they take a look at some other Whitecaps-adjacent news, including the launch of their NSL team, which was revealed to be called the Vancouver Rise, whose badge carries a lot of parallels with the Whitecaps, showing the club's plans to operate the two as sibling teams.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps men's and women's, the Canadian Premier League, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps men's side, who advanced to the Round of 32 of the 2024 Leagues Cup, where they were promptly eliminated by Mexican giants Pumas UNAM. They look at what that result means for the team, and what they can learn going forward, as they now tackle a short break ahead of the resumption of their 2024 MLS season.  Then, from there, they dive into the latest off the field for the Whitecaps, who made one signing before the end of the Canadian transfer window but might not be done yet when it comes to adding to their squad, and they look at why that is the case.  Continuing on, they take a look at the big news out of the Whitecaps women's program, as their League 1 BC side had quite the couple of weeks, winning the League 1 BC playoffs, the League 1 Canada interprovincial championships and then their preliminary round game of the inaugural 2024-2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup. In particular, that last point is key, as that means they've now made the group stage of that tournament, in which they'll play some of the top teams in the world such as the San Diego Wave and the Portland Thorns, along with Liga MX side Club América and Panamanian side Santa Fé, over the next few months.  Ahead of the launch of the NSL next spring, of which the Whitecaps are one of the founding members, it's a massive opportunity for them, and they dive into why.  After that, they dive into the latest out of the two BC CPL teams, who had a bit of a strange week, as they first played each other in the latest Salish Sea Derby, won by Vancouver for a fifth straight edition, before making a trade with each other. They dive into that latest game, and then dissect the trade, seeing what it means for both sides respective playoff hopes. Lastly, they dive into the latest out of League 1 BC after that circuit's 2024 season recently came into an end, seeing what stood out from an entertaining final weekend out at Swangard Stadium, where the Whitecaps were crowned women's playoff champions and the TSS Rovers were crowned men's playoff champions.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and League 1 BC. To begin, they look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, who fell to the Houston Dynamo 4-3 in MLS action a week prior, marking their last league match in over a month. That, of course, is because of the Leagues Cup tournament, in which the Whitecaps beat LAFC on penalties in their opening match, but not before a strange home friendly with Hollywood darlings Wrexham of Wales.  They look at what they learned from those three matches, in which some players tested out some new roles, while others fared well in rare auditions.  From there, they look ahead to the Whitecaps' next match, a home clash against Liga MX side Tijuana back in Leagues Cup play, in which the Whitecaps can advance to the knockout rounds for a second straight year with a draw or win.  Continuing on, they take a look at the latest out of the BC CPL teams, who have slumped through July, setting up a pivotal month of August. They look at what's ailed them, as Vancouver FC have dropped to fifth place and Pacific to sixth, and see what they'll need to do in order to turn things around.  Lastly, they dive into the latest out of League 1 BC, where the men's and women's division are getting set to play their league finals this Sunday at Swangard Stadium, with the Vancouver Whitecaps set to face Burnaby in the women's division final, and the TSS Rovers set to face Altitude in the men's division final.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps as they continue to navigate an extremely busy stretch of play in MLS action. Despite that, they've done well to pick up points, amassing a record of 6W-1D-2L (19 PTS) in their last nine games.  Thanks to that, they've climbed to fourth place in MLS's Western Conference, and are now seventh in all of MLS, looking like the side that stormed out of the gates to start this season.  This latest stretch exemplifies what they've done well, too, as they defeated St.Louis City 4-1 on the road this past weekend, before dispatching Sporting KC 2-1 at home in midweek.  As a result, they enter their next game, a home clash with the Houston Dynamo, flying high as they look to win three straight games in MLS play for the first time since 2022.  If they can do that, it'll set themselves up nicely for the rest of the MLS season, which will resume in late-August as teams get set to tackle Leagues Cup after this matchday.  Safe to say, it shows why this Houston match is so important for this Whitecaps side, who can prove their credentials as a potential MLS Cup contender with a strong result.  Alex and Sam dive into all of that, and more, helping review the past few weeks while teeing up the match to come, looking at what they'll expect from that one.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps. To begin, they take a look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, who continued to navigate a busy stretch of games as they play some of their last MLS games before a lengthy Leagues Cup break, which combined with their ongoing participation in the Canadian Championship, has led to a busy July schedule for them.  Despite that, they've continued to pick up crucial results as they've navigated those challenges, as they drew CF Montréal 1-1 on the road in MLS play on the weekend, before picking up a 1-0 road win over Pacific FC in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semi-finals in midweek. They look at what stood out from those two games, as the Whitecaps showed a lot of good in two low-event road matches, as they continue to tackle a road-heavy stretch of their schedule. From there, they look ahead to the next week for the Whitecaps, which will include a long-awaited return home, but another tough road game awaits them in St.Louis before they get to that. Lastly, they look at what they expect from this stretch, both in terms of potential lineups and results, teeing up a crucial week for a team looking to reach the Leagues Cup break on a high note.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have climbed up to 4th in MLS's Western Conference thanks to back-to-back wins over St.Louis City and Minnesota United. In particular, the St.Louis win was extra special as it marked an important first for the 'Caps in 2024, while the Minnesota win was seen as more of a return to business as usual for Vancouver, which they also won't mind.  Now, they'll get set for their next test, an away clash against Canadian rivals CF Montréal, where the Whitecaps can put an end to a streak that has haunted them since the end of 2022.  After that, they take a look at the latest around MLS in "Around MLS in 5", seeing who is benefitting and who is suffering from MLS's condensed summer schedule.  From there, they take a look at the latest out of the BC CPL teams, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC, who played each other in the Salish Sea Derby last week, combining for a matchup that once again lived up to the hype.  Lastly, they then take a look at the latest out of League 1 BC, as the race for the playoffs lights up the women's division, while a battle for a Canadian Championship berth is the race to watch in the men's division.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat about the Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they take a look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, whose strange 2024 MLS campaign continued with back-to-back losses to the New England Revolution and Portland Timbers in the week immediately after the international break, which they'd entered riding a two-game win streak.  Yet, these losses seemed to mark the Whitecaps' return to MLS's mushy middle after spending most of 2023 inside that dangerous zone, and they look at why that is the case.  From there, they take a look at what the Whitecaps need to do during MLS's secondary transfer window to take a step forward before they risk spending another season in the mushy middle.  Moving on, they take a look at the Whitecaps' next match, a clash with St. Louis City at BC Place this upcoming weekend, one where the 'Caps can pick up a crucial win against a slumping side, and they see why that is the case.  Continuing on, they dive into the latest out of the two BC CPL teams, Vancouver and Pacific, who are both slumping heading into their 2nd Salish Sea Derby meeting of 2024, which goes in Langford this week.  Lastly, they dive into the latest out of League 1 BC, where a battle for the last playoff spot is forming in the women's division, while the men's division remains wide-open after some intriguing results.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they take a look at the latest for the Whitecaps, who are getting set to make a rare trip to Boston to take on the New England Revolution in MLS play.  A place where they've struggled to win in the past, they take a look at how they might be primed to change that this time around, with the Revolution entering this match with the second-worst record in all of MLS, even if they've been trending in the right direction lately.  After that, they take a look at the latest out of the CPL, where the two BC teams had solid road draws, with Pacific drawing Halifax 0-0 and Vancouver drawing York 2-2. They take a look at where the two teams sit now, and who has more upside to make a run this summer.  Lastly, they dive into the latest out of League 1 BC, which included a wild pair of matches between Burnaby FC and Rivers FC that Alex went to, which he dives into.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who beat the Colorado Rapids to enter the June international break on a high note with back-to-back wins. They look back at what stood out from that Rapids win, which showed the importance of Damir Kreilach, the continued value of the 3-5-2 and changed the perspective some may have on the 'Caps centre back options. From there, they take a look at the 'Caps season to date, having now played 16 games in MLS play, seeing if their hot start to the year or their quieter second quarter is a fairer indication of what this team is nearing the halfway point.  Continuing on from there, they take a look at a mixed weekend for BC's CPL teams as Pacific drew Cavalry, while Vancouver fell 2-0 to Valour.  Then, to round things off, they take a look at the latest out of League 1 BC, before wrapping up by looking at the Vancouver Whitecaps upcoming Concacaf W Champions Cup adventure, where they have the potential to play some heavy-hitters if all goes well for them this summer.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they take a look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, who went through quite the emotional rollercoaster this week. First, they hit a big low on the weekend, as they fell 2-1 to a rotated Inter Miami side in front of over 50 000 fans, many of which were there to see the stars Miami elected to keep at home for this game, making it a double-whammy of sorts to then lose that game.  Then, eager to respond after their winless streak in MLS play was extended to six games in that Miami loss, they snapped that drought in midweek, beating a struggling Sporting KC side 2-1 on the road for their first MLS win since late April. They dive into what stood out from those two matches, as the 'Caps embraced a bit of a different identity for the SKC game, one that they might be wise to use more going forward, and they look at why that is the case.  From there, they finish off the 'Caps chatter by previewing their next game, a home clash against the Colorado Rapids at BC Place this weekend, one where revenge will be on the minds of the 'Caps after losing a frustrating one to the Rapids earlier this month.  Continuing on from there, they take a look at what's stood out in MLS in "Around MLS in 5", diving into some intriguing trends that have emerged across the league over the last few weeks.  Returning to more domestic chatter, they take a look at the latest from BC's CPL teams, who happened to face off in the fifth edition of the 'Salish Sea Derby', which Vancouver FC won 2-1 despite giving up the opening goal to Pacific FC. Both on site for that game, Alex and Sam look back at what stood out from that one.  Lastly, they take a quick look back at a busy weekend of League 1 BC action, before seeing what awaits this weekend, as many in the circuit start to near the midway point of their campaigns.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they take a look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, who picked up a draw on the road against the Seattle Sounders after a late equalizer on the weekend, before narrowly advancing past Cavalry FC in the Canadian Championship quarter-finals on away goals after a 1-0 loss at home on Tuesday.  With the 'Caps now winless in five straight in MLS play, and in six of their last seven games in all competitions, they dive into what they're most worried about during this slump, as the offence has gone ice-cold while the defence has continued to give up preventable goals.  And now, the Whitecaps must put this slump behind them, quickly, as their toughest match of the season awaits them this weekend - a clash against a red-hot Inter Miami side in front of a sold-out BC Place crowd this weekend. A match that's massive for the 'Caps for many reasons beyond the actual match itself, there would be no better match for the 'Caps to win and bust this slump, so they look at how realistic of a possibility that is.  They then round off their MLS chatter with "Around MLS in 5", as they take a look at some intriguing results from the league's "Rivalry Week".  From there, they continue the show with some CPL discussion, as Vancouver picked up a massive away win over Forge, while Pacific fell to first-place Atlético Ottawa, putting both teams within one point of each other as they get set for their first Salish Sea Derby of 2024 this upcoming weekend.  Lastly, they take a look around League 1 BC, as the league nears its halfway point of their campaign already, with some teams now up to five games on the year.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, CPL, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they take a look at the Whitecaps, who are officially slumping after back-to-back losses to LAFC and the Colorado Rapids, which now leaves them without a win in four straight MLS games.  Despite that, the sky isn't falling, and they explain why they feel that's the case, with some key numbers helping explain the story.  From there, they take a look at the big Whitecaps news of the week, which was the bi-annual tradition MLS fans have gotten used to - salary release day, in which the MLSPA reveals how much each player in the league earns. An agent's favourite day and a sporting director's nightmare, they see who stands out on the Whitecaps, who have a whole host of names on interesting figures.  Then, to round off Whitecaps chatter, they take a look at the 'Caps upcoming game, a Cascadia Cup clash against rivals Seattle Sounders in Seattle, in their second match there in a month.  Can the Whitecaps catch lightning in a bottle and win there again after their previous struggles at Lumen Field? They see how realistic that is.  Continuing on, they dive into some Canadian Premier League chatter, as they take a look at Vancouver FC's clash against Atlético Ottawa, and then Pacific FC's clash against Forge, as both BC teams picked up a pair of home draws against tough opposition in CPL play.  Lastly, they take a look at the latest of League 1 BC, as that season starts to heat up in both the men's and women's division.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this shortened 204th(.5) episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat about the Vancouver Whitecaps' upcoming matchup against the Colorado Rapids.  Will the Whitecaps be able to bounce back from their 3-0 loss to LAFC? What to expect of this up-and-down Rapids side? How will the Whitecaps match up with the Rapids? They take a look at all of that, and more, in a jam-packed, 30-minute episode of the show.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, CPL, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they look at the latest out of the Whitecaps, who had a mixed week of results, as they drew Austin FC 0-0 in MLS play, before dispatching Cavalry FC 2-1 in the first leg of their Canadian Championship quarter-final.  They look at what stood out in both games, as the 'Caps began to navigate what will be a busy month of May, one filled with midweek matches. From controversial refereeing decisions to their struggles with low blocks, and their ability to rotate their squad better than ever, they look at the big storylines from those two matches.  Speaking of that busy Whitecaps calendar, they're now getting set for their third game in less than eight days, as they travel to Los Angeles to take on LAFC in a rematch of their first-round 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs matchup. Can the Whitecaps get some revenge from that series? It's not an unreasonable possibility, and they explore why that is the case.  Continuing on, they take a look at what stood out from around MLS this past weekend, as well as what awaits this upcoming matchday, in "Around MLS in 5".  Nearing the end of the show, they dive into another mixed week for the BC CPL teams, as Pacific maintained their status as a defensive force, while Vancouver FC's road woes continued.  Lastly, they take a look at the second matchday of League 1 BC action, as the Whitecaps women continue to fly, while the TSS Rovers' men made a flying entrance, with some interesting results from Burnaby FC and Altitude FC's home matches rounding off another intriguing week of action across the circuit.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, CPL, League 1 BC and much more in a jam-packed show.  To begin, they dive into the latest from the Whitecaps, who travelled out east to take on the New York Red Bulls in MLS action. There, they had to split the spoils in a 1-1 draw despite a solid performance, one where they could've snatched a win if not for an unfortunate error from Yohei Takaoka.  They dive into why that was the case, and then look at the conundrum that the 'Caps have with Takaoka, who has been excellent to start the year, but continues to battle one consistent struggle - crosses.  After that, they preview the 'Caps next match, a home clash against a surging Austin FC, in which they'll celebrate the club's 50th anniversary. A game that promises to have a strong crowd, it's a good opportunity for the 'Caps to keep climbing up the standings, something that they'll look to take advantage of in front of their fans.  Lastly, they round off their Whitecaps chat by looking at their recently announced friendly against Wrexham, and the good and bad surrounding that match for the team, and more specifically for the club's fans - new and old.  Continuing on, they take a look around MLS in "Around MLS in 5", diving into what stood out from another busy weekend of league action.  From there, they dive into some CPL action, as Vancouver FC hit a wall in a 3-0 road loss to York United, while Pacific grinded out a gutsy 0-0 draw with Cavalry, as both teams dealt with their first taste of road action this CPL season.  Finally, they round off the show by looking at the start of the League 1 BC campaign this past weekend, with Sam recapping his adventures at Burnaby FC's first-ever games, which they hosted against Harbourside, before they looked at what else stood out from around the league on opening weekend.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, CPL, League 1 BC and more.  To begin, they take a look at the latest Whitecaps match, which came this past weekend in Seattle. There, they made history, winning their first game in the Emerald City since 2016, snapping a lengthy winless drought at Lumen Field with a 2-0 result over their Cascadia Cup rivals, the Seattle Sounders.  Thanks to that, they resumed their strong start to the season after a setback last weekend against the LA Galaxy, doing so off the back of a return to basics defensively, along with some intriguing tweaks elsewhere in the lineup.  Now, they head into one of their biggest matchups of this young season, an inter-conference matchup against a red-hot New York Red Bulls side, one that may be the stiffest test this 'Caps team has faced to date, and Alex and Sam share why they think that is.  Then, to round off the Whitecaps chatter, they take a look at a bit of surprise transfer news, as the Whitecaps made a primary transfer window deadline signing, bringing in Australian wing back Giuseppe Bovalina to fortify their ranks out wide, so they see what to expect from Bovalina.  From there, they take a look at what stood out from around MLS this weekend, as well as what to look forward to in the next matchday, in "Around MLS in 5".  Continuing on, they take a look over at the Canadian Premier League, where the two BC teams, Pacific and Vancouver FC, maintained their hot starts to the CPL season with wins this weekend, as they both sit with two wins from two games so far.  Lastly, they round things off with some important BC Soccer news, as the Canadian Championship started this week, a new League 1 BC season is back this weekend, and the Whitecaps women's side is set to play in an intriguing new continental competition later this summer.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, Canadian Premier League and more.  To begin, they take a look at the Whitecaps, who were unable to win their third straight game, falling 3-1 to the LA Galaxy at BC Place. As a result, they finished the weekend in second place in the Western Conference, as the Galaxy overtook them with that win.  Due to a lack of clinical edge at both ends of the pitch, as the 'Caps were unable to take their chances in the attack and made some key defensive errors, the Galaxy would punish them for both of those things, allowing them to take a well-deserved victory in the end.  Despite that, there's a lot to be encouraged about this one for Vancouver, even if it might not have immediately felt like it, and they look at why that's the case.  From there, they take a look ahead at the 'Caps next game, a clash in Seattle against Cascadian rivals, the Seattle Sounders. There, the 'Caps will have a big task on their hands, as they look to win their first game in Seattle since March of 2016.  Yet, while Seattle hasn't typically treated them well in the past, there's reasons for optimism in this matchup, as Alex and Sam outline.  Continuing on, they take a look around MLS in "Around MLS in 5" to round off the first part of the show, seeing what stood out this weekend in the league, and what to keep an eye on this upcoming matchday.  Lastly, they dive into the opening weekend of CPL action in part two, one that saw the two BC CPL teams get off to flying starts, as Pacific defeated the Halifax Wanderers 1-0 and Vancouver FC downed Valour 4-1 to open their 2024 campaigns on high notes. Now, they'll both look to build off that in week two, with Vancouver set to host Halifax, while Pacific welcomes Valour, as they try to make it 6/6 points to start the year.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, the Canadian Premier League and more.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who continued their strong start to the 2024 MLS season with a big 4-0 win over their Canadian rivals, Toronto FC. Thanks to that, the 'Caps finished the weekend sitting atop the Western Conference, and second in MLS on points with 13 through six games, as they remain one of the hottest teams in MLS right now.  With that in mind, they take a look at what stood out from that Whitecaps performance, which was their most complete of the season, as they executed their game plan to perfection. Along with some strong individual showings, headlined by Alessandro Schöpf, Ryan Gauld and Bjørn Inge Utvik, among others, that proved to be the perfect combination for a big night for Vancouver.  From there, they take a look ahead at the 'Caps next game, a crucial home clash with the LA Galaxy, in a battle of two of the most in-form teams in MLS, as the Galaxy currently sit in second place in the Western Conference, just 1 point behind the 'Caps. Thanks to a strong offence, one that has been potent enough to overcome a struggling defence, the Galaxy have been able to ride some high-scoring wins to their current position near the top of the table, which should lead to an entertaining matchup between them and Vancouver.   Moving on, they then have a look around the league in "Around MLS in 5", as they recap a busy weekend of action, one that saw the return to form of a few familiar names in the West.  Then, in the second half of the show, they dive into some CPL chatter, as they preview the upcoming 2024 season, the league's sixth in its existence, which promises to be their best yet.  First, they dive into the league's two BC teams, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC, looking at their new signings, players to watch, their expectations for the season and more. Lastly, they then finish things off by diving into their predictions for how the 2024 CPL table will end up, giving an idea of what the two BC teams will be up against if they're to both make the playoffs this year.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS.  To begin, they dive into the latest Whitecaps match, a clash with their Cascadian rivals, the Portland Timbers, who they welcomed to BC Place this past weekend.  There, the Whitecaps went through quite the emotional rollercoaster, as they won 3-2 after blowing a 2-0 lead, allowing them to climb to second in the Western Conference.  They look at what to take away from that Whitecaps performance, one where they showed a lot of good things on both sides of the ball, but were let down by their execution, especially defensively, which allowed the Timbers to grow into the game.  Despite that, the 'Caps did enough to win on the day thanks to their strong start and finish, as they continued to show their maturity as a side through the early days of this 2024 MLS season.  After that, they took a look at the 'Caps next game, a clash with Canadian rivals Toronto FC, who they'll face at BC Place this weekend.  A clash of two teams that have started quite well, they dive into what to expect from this upstart TFC side, who is clicking nicely under new manager John Herdman, before seeing how the 'Caps might match up to that, setting the table for what should be a pretty cagey matchup.  Lastly, they take a look around MLS in "Around MLS in 5", seeing what happened around the league amid another chaotic weekend of action.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS as the 2024 MLS season rolls on. To begin, they take a look back at the Whitecaps latest match, a 2-1 home loss to RSL this past weekend, in which the 'Caps fell 2-1 for a third straight game against RSL. And, much like their previous two RSL losses, which both came in 2023, the Whitecaps also opened the scoring in the first half, before collapsing with two second-half goals, which will certainly give some fans deja vu. Yet, that can be pinned on several factors, which they dive into, including some rare mistakes from what has been an otherwise excellent defensive group in 2024, some continued struggles up front and a key injury to Brian White that ended up hurting them at a crucial time. From there, they take a look ahead to what awaits the 'Caps this week, as they get set for a Cascadia Cup matchup against the Portland Timbers, continuing a four-game homestand at BC Place. A resurgent Timbers side, one led by new head coach Phil Neville and a bunch of new signings, including a trio of Canadians in Kamal Miller, Maxime Crépeau and James Pantemis, this promises to be a good matchup, as battles between these two rivals always are. Two teams who believe they can compete near the top of the Western Conference by the end of the year, it's a good measuring stick game, especially after inconsistent starts from both teams. Lastly, Alex and Sam take a look around MLS in "Around MLS in 5", seeing what stood out from a strange international break matchweek, before previewing what awaits teams this upcoming weekend. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast! In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps along with some MLS and CPL chat.  To begin, they dive into the latest out of Whitecaps land, as they continued a strong start to their 2024 MLS season with a 3-1 win over FC Dallas this past weekend.  Their second straight road win, they dive into what stood out for the 'Caps in that one, as they made some key lineup tweaks and were rewarded for it after a gutsy and professional performance.   From there, they take a look ahead at what awaits the 'Caps this week, as they get set to face Real Salt Lake at BC Place on Saturday, in a game where they can climb to the top of MLS's Western Conference table with a win.  It won't be easy, as RSL can be a tough unit to crack, but they look at what the 'Caps will need to do if they're able to grab a third straight win.  Then, continuing on, they take a look at what stood out from around MLS this week in "around the MLS in 5", looking at some key games from last weekend in MLS.  Lastly, they take a look over at the Canadian Premier League, where teams are dropping fire kits left, right and centre, with both BC teams leading the charge in that regard.  Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.