Regional bragging rights are on the line.
On Saturday, the Seattle Sounders have a chance to claim the Cascadia Cup for the fifth time in club history with a win or draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. With six points on three matches, Seattle currently leads Vancouver and Portland by three points apiece. Vancouver and Portland square off on Decision Day, but the Sounders can secure their first Cascadia Cup since 2015 with three points this week.
"[The Whitecaps] are on a very good run of form themselves," Head Coach Brian Schmetzer told media on Tuesday. "Two teams that are a playing at high level, it should be an exciting match. The added sparkle to the match is the Cascadia Cup. If we go up there and get a result, it comes back to us. That's something we are aware of, as well. There's lots to play for up there."
A happy Chad Marshall holds the Cascadia Cup and waves to fans at BC Place in 2015.
The Cascadia Cup began in 2004 between the supporters of the Sounders, Timbers and Whitecaps. The trophy is awarded annually to the club that fares the best among the three teams of the Cascadia region. While in the United Soccer League, the Sounders won in 2005 and 2006. All three teams joined MLS by 2011, and the Sounders won in 2011 and 2015.
