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. 

To begin, they take a look back at the big match that occurred since they last recorded - the 2025 MLS Cup final, which pitted the Whitecaps against Inter Miami. 

Unfortunately for the Whitecaps, they were unable to get past Miami on the day, falling 3-1, but despite that, it was an excellent showing from Vancouver, who were undone by individual mistakes and some finishing luck at the other end. 

Given that they were up against an all-time Miami team, that makes the defeat easier to swallow, even if you can't help but wonder 'what if' about how close the Whitecaps were to MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and Concacaf Champions Cup glory in 2025. Instead, for a fourth straight year, they'll finish as just Canadian Championship winners (although they're also the Western Conference Champions, for anyone keeping track), which doesn't quite feel right - and puts pressure on the Whitecaps to be even better in 2026. 

After taking a look back at the final, Alex and Sam dive into the other news surrounding the Whitecaps, who have already transferred out two key players from the 2025 season in Canadian wingers Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson, who are heading to Norwich City and Austin FC, respectively. Along with the departures of some other key depth pieces, they look at the state of this Whitecaps squad heading into 2026, building a wishlist for the team's January transfer window. 

Lastly, they look at the news that the Whitecaps and the City of Vancouver have entered a MOU for a potential new stadium, seeing what that means for the future of the team. 

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 as they continue their impressive run through the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. 

To begin, they dive into the big news of the week for the Whitecaps - they will play in their first-ever MLS Cup final this weekend, as they take on Inter Miami in a tasty matchup.  

Before diving into that final, though, they look at how the Whitecaps got here, as they cruised past San Diego FC in the Western Conference final, becoming Western Conference champions for the first time thanks to a 3-1 victory in California. 

They look at what worked for the Whitecaps in that game, as a cohesive team performance, and some standout individual showings proved to be vital on the day. 

Now, they'll look to build off that in what promises to be a fascinating final against Miami, a side they know very well after their earlier encounter in the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals back in April. 

Can the Whitecaps repeat the magic they had in that tie, which they won 5-1 on aggregate? They'd love nothing more than that, but they face a much different Miami side this time around - although they've also improved since then, too. 

Yet, that's the big thing that stands out when previewing this matchup - this is a battle of two top teams, which could set the table for one of the best finals in recent memory, given that these are two teams in the midst of two of the best seasons in MLS history. 

To be fair, that sort of fanfare is to be expected in a matchup between Thomas Müller and Lionel Messi, given their history, but as Alex and Sam explore, there's a LOT more to this battle than the meeting of stars - and they share why they feel that is the case to close out 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 about all things Vancouver Whitecaps.

To help them do that, however, they're joined by fellow Third Sub contributor, Kian Gadsby, who helps break down the Whitecaps' wild penalty shootout victory over LAFC in the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. Now, a date with San Diego FC awaits in the Conference Finals, where the Whitecaps will look to book their spot in the MLS Cup final for the first time.

While this is new territory for all involved with the Whitecaps, this is an especially unique opportunity for Kian, who began following the Whitecaps while living in the United Kingdom, giving him a different perspective on this team and journey.

He shares what this whole experience has been like, having only come to Vancouver for the first time this fall, sharing how he's felt things have compared to what he's used to in the UK. In particular, he dives into some of his experiences at BC Place, including this LAFC match, sharing some interesting anecdotes about his experience.

Lastly, to end the show, Alex and Sam empty the notebook from the LAFC game, before previewing what they expect in San Diego, as the Whitecaps battle to reach their first MLS Cup final.

Can the Whitecaps keep this magical run going? Or will their journey be destined to end at the hands of an expansion side? They'll find out on Saturday.

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 their massive matchup against LAFC in the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. 

The third straight postseason in which they'll face off against LAFC, it's worth noting that this Whitecaps team is quite different from the one that was eliminated in both years, however, and the regular season proved that. 

Of course, though, things are a lot different in the playoffs, so it'll be interesting to see how the Whitecaps can build off what they showed in a dominant Round #1 win vs. FC Dallas, against an LAFC side that also cruised to victory in Round #1 against Austin FC. 

While this has naturally been billed as a revenge opportunity for the Whitecaps and a matchup between superstars Thomas Müller and Heung-Min Son, it's worth noting that this game has a lot more layers to it - in fact, it has the potential to be one of the best-ever MLS playoff matches, period, and they dive into why that is the case. 

From there, they take time to dive into the two teams and how they play, seeing where the game could be won and lost, given the significant stylistic differences between these two sides. 

Lastly, they give a shout out to the Vancouver Rise, who won the inaugural NSL playoffs this past weekend, setting the tone for soccer in the city of Vancouver at a good time. 

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. 

To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who picked up a big 3-0 win vs. FC Dallas in the first game of their first-round best-of-three series at BC Place. 

Not only did they win, too, but they thoroughly dominated Dallas, putting in the sort of performance that can leave scar tissue. 

Because of that, they're now looking to finish the job they started in the second game of this series, which will be held in Frisco, Texas, this weekend, as they look to set up a potential rematch with LAFC in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. 

Otherwise, in Whitecaps news, the latest MLS salaries dropped this week, giving an idea of how their roster is looking after some big summer transfers. While this news doesn't affect the team much until the offseason, it gives an idea of what's to come for the Whitecaps after these playoffs - showing why this run is so important for this team, with the group set to be shaken up a bit. 

Lastly, the Vancouver Rise are getting set for their inaugural Northern Super League playoff journey, as they'll battle with the Ottawa Rapid in the two-legged semi-finals, as they try to book a trip to Toronto for the final - starting next Tuesday at Swangard Stadium for Leg 1. 

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 as they get set for the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. 

To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who fell 2-1 to FC Dallas in the final game of the MLS regular season - fitting, as not only did that defeat deny the Whitecaps the chance to top the Western Conference table and finish second in all of MLS, but it also set them up with a date vs. Dallas in the first round of the playoffs, too. 

Because of that, they take a look at the threat that Dallas poses to the Whitecaps in this first-round series, a matchup that the Whitecaps are expected to win - something that doesn't always mean a whole lot in MLS, it's worth noting. 

Of course, in this playoff format, things are different than your typical playoff battle, with this first round being a best-of-three matchup, before the games shift to single elimination later down the road. 

Will the Whitecaps be healthy enough to make a deep run in the playoffs? Will they be able to score in the big games? Who starts for them at the back? Can they take advantage of their status as an MLS Cup favourite?

Alex and Sam try to answer those questions, and more, to cap off this preview - before finishing with a quick look at the rest of the MLS Cup playoffs field, for good measure. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!

In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, to dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Vancouver Rise and more. 

To begin, they start with the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have had a big stretch of performances lately, starting with a win vs. Vancouver FC in the Canadian Championship final, before leading into a pair of big wins in MLS play vs. the San Jose Earthquakes and Orlando City. 

In particular, the play of Thomas Müller has stood out across that period, as well as the continued improvement of several under-the-radar players, which is good news for the Whitecaps as a pivotal stretch of play awaits them here. 

Now, they'll turn their focus to their last match of the regular season, a clash vs. FC Dallas at BC Place, before starting the MLS Cup playoffs shortly after. 

Otherwise, they take a look at the news out of Vancouver FC, who have qualified for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup thanks to the Whitecaps, who themselves locked up a berth through MLS play to transfer their Canadian Championship berth to the CPL side. As a result, Alex and Sam look at what that could do for VFC, who stand to benefit in a big way from being in Concacaf's premier club competition. 

Lastly, they finish by looking at the Vancouver Rise, who have officially completed their first regular season campaign in the Northern Super League, and will now turn their attention to the playoffs at the start of next month. 

Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_. 

The Third Sub can be found on Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcasts and Anchor. It can also now be found on Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts and Radio Public, so if you have any of those platforms installed, you can now find it on them.

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 and Vancouver FC. 

To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who are coming off a pair of mixed results in Cascadia Cup action against the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders. 

Thanks to a pair of draws against both teams, the Whitecaps have done enough to win the 2025 Cascadia Cup, but there's a feeling of missed opportunity despite that, as they could've won both games, which would've given them a big boost in their quest for the Supporters' Shield. 

Now, though, the Whitecaps will turn their attention to what lies ahead of them this week, as they get set to take on local neighbours Vancouver FC in the Canadian Championship final. 

There, the Whitecaps have a chance to make history as they chase a Canadian Championship four-peat, showing why this game is quite special for them. 

On the other side, though, awaits a hungry Vancouver FC side, one that has the most dangerous thing for any team to have in a final - they have nothing to lose. 

Having struggled in Canadian Premier League play this year, this Voyageurs Cup run has been a welcome distraction for them, and now they're looking to cap it off with an upset for the ages. 

How possible is such an upset? Alex and Sam dive into that, and many more topics surrounding the final, to end off 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 Rise, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more. 

To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who are back in action after a quiet end to August and start to September. 

Now, with a strange portion of their schedule behind them, they'll get set for a busy end to the 2025 regular season, while also tackling a massive Canadian Championship game in there for good measure. 

After some good rest, can they return to their best in that stretch? They'll hope that can be the case as they continue to welcome back some key reinforcements, further integrate new ones, and return to what worked well for them earlier in the year. 

They haven't been given an easy schedule to start this stretch, as they'll face the MLS-leading Philadelphia Union before taking on Forge FC in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semi-finals a few days later, but they've got a chance to make a bit of a statement in both matches. 

Meanwhile, elsewhere in B.C., Vancouver FC is getting set to take on Atlético Ottawa in leg two of the other semi-final - a tie they currently lead 3-1 after a shock home victory in leg one. Having had a tough regular season campaign to date, they'd love to continue a remarkable run in the cup, so look for them to pull some magic out of their hat in this tie. 

Before then, though, a cool match awaits them in Canadian Premier League action against rivals Pacific FC, who themselves are also looking to get out of a bit of a rut of their own in league play. A match played at a new site, Victoria's Royal Athletic Park, both teams will hope that playing in front of a sold-out crowd provides them with a bit of a boost. 

Lastly, the Vancouver Rise are on fire, as they're now undefeated in eight matches, allowing them to push right up the Northern Super League table. All of a sudden, first place is in reach, and it's hard to see them slowing down with how good they're playing - and they continue to add to the roster, as seen with moves such as the surprise signing of Montréal Roses forward Latifah Abdu. 

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 Rise, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more. 

To begin, they dive into the big news out of Whitecaps-land, as they chat about the story that has caught not just the attention of the rest of MLS, but the entire soccer world - the arrival of German footballing legend Thomas Müller at the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

A huge coup for the 'Caps, given Müller's status as a top player and global star, they dive into why this move seems to be such a no-brainer for all parties involved. From Müller's ability to fit in this Whitecaps team, to the commercial opportunities it provides, and what this could mean for the future of the Whitecaps, this seems to be a move that could elevate the Whitecaps to another level, showing why the hype is understandably high in Vancouver right now. 

After that, they look at what's ahead for the Whitecaps, who had a bit of a break after beating Sporting KC in MLS play in late-July, as they now get set to dive into a busy week of action in MLS and Canadian Championship play. 

From there, they dive into what's next for Vancouver FC and Pacific FC, who are set to face each other in a crucial Salish Sea Derby in Canadian Premier League action this weekend. After both picked up wins this past week, while also making a couple of key transfers, it's ramped up the pressure on both to win this derby match, which will hopefully lead to an entertaining matchup. 

Elsewhere, they dive into the latest out of the Vancouver Rise, who are coming off a chaotic 3-3 draw vs. the Ottawa Rapid, as they continue to show signs of progress in their inaugural season, despite that result. 

Lastly, they take a look out of how the end of the League 1 BC season went down, as Altitude claimed the women's regular season title, and Langley United the men's regular season title, capping off another entertaining season of L1BC action. 

Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.