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 dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC and Vancouver Rise. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have gone through a bit of a rough stretch, at least by their lofty standards. Not only have they dropped some crucial points in MLS play, putting their perch atop MLS's Western Conference standings at risk, but they were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Canadian Championship by CF Montréal, denying them the opportunity to complete a fivepeat in that tournament. Alex and Sam look at what's gone wrong for the Whitecaps, who have uncharacteristically struggled defensively, opening up some questions about how they can fix those problems heading into a crucial stretch of games, which include some vital six-pointers. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, the Vancouver Rise are in a playoff spot in the NSL table, for now - but given how their season has gone, that can change. But with an easier run-in than the Halifax Tides, destiny is in their hands, as they look to return to the playoffs and defend their 2025 crown. Elsewhere, Vancouver FC are locked in a fascinating battle for the playoffs in CPL action, as they try to fend off a late push from FC Supra du Québec to try and reach the postseason for the first 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 dive into all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Rise, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more.To begin, they dive into the latest from the Whitecaps, who have had quite the eventful week on the pitch in MLS play, as they first beat their rivals, the Seattle Sounders, 2-0 on the road to earn another Cascadia Cup crown, before falling 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo and then beating FC Dallas 5-0 in a pair of home games. While the Dynamo loss still stings for the Whitecaps, who temporarily relinquished top spot in the Western Conference to Houston with that defeat, they'll feel optimistic that they're finally finding their best level again after the Dallas victory, one where they truly looked like the best version of themselves again - something that hasn't always been the case for them post-World Cup break.Alex and Sam look at why that was the case, with the insertion of a new-look front four, the return of some key players from injuries, and the continued development of some unsung heroes seemingly setting the Whitecaps up to catch fire over the next few weeks - starting with a match against Sporting Kansas City away this weekend. After the Whitecaps chat, which also includes some of the latest news on the Whitecaps transfer market business, they finish the show with some chat about the other B.C. professional teams. Firstly, they look at how the Vancouver Rise have found a bit of form again in Northern Super League play, thanks to some key defensive improvements, before looking at Vancouver FC's mini-slump, and Pacific's quest for a win in Canadian Premier League play to round 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 about all things Vancouver Whitecaps and other BC soccer news. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who have hit a bit of a slump after the World Cup break. Not only are they winless in seven games, but they bowed out rather unceremoniously of the Leagues Cup, too, finishing last among all MLS teams in that tournament.Is it time to panic about these Whitecaps, who have dealt with a key departure recently with the sale of Sebastian Berhalter to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough? Or is this just the sort of slump that all teams need to deal with at some point in the season?With some new signings on the way, and Jesper Sørensen's ability to develop players, Alex and Sam don't appear ready to worry quite yet, but things could change if this slump starts to hurt the Whitecaps in MLS play, where they still remain in a good position. Because of that, a big week is ahead for them, as they get set to take on the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas in a big trio of league matches, where they'll want to defend their position atop the Western Conference.  Otherwise, Alex and Sam take a look at the struggling form of the Vancouver Rise, who have continued to suffer from their championship hangover in an up and down Northern Super League campaign. Lastly, they finish with a bit of Canadian Premier League talk, as they look at the red-hot Vancouver FC and their impressive form, before diving into what's went wrong for the struggling Pacific FC, who remain winless in CPL play in 2026. 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 Rise, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC. To begin, they dive into the latest from the Whitecaps, who have finally returned to action after a lengthy break due to the World Cup. Despite that, they didn't show much rust in their first games back, as they handily dispatched Cavalry FC in the Canadian Championship, in the exact sort of matchup they would've struggled in before. They look at what the Whitecaps learned from those matches, before looking at the way the team is coming together ahead of a crucial stretch of play. The first game of that stretch? A clash against the Chicago Fire, who recently welcomed the great Robert Lewandowski to their ranks, in what will be a great matchup between two of the top teams in MLS statistically - no better way for the Whitecaps to dive back into league play.Meanwhile, elsewhere in the province, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC have continued to roll on in Canadian Premier League action, but both teams are on vastly different paths right now, as Vancouver are starting to catch fire, while Pacific are struggling. They look at what's working for Vancouver, and where Pacific have come up short as they get set to begin the Terry Dunfield era. Lastly, they take a look at the latest out of the Vancouver Rise, who have continued to run hot and cold this season, one that hasn't gone to plan for the defending league 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, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC, Vancouver Rise and more. To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who are coming off a busy week, one that saw them take on the San Jose Earthquakes, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo in an eight-day span. They did pretty well to get four points out of those matches, which were all on the road, but given the high standard they've set for themselves, they'll also feel they could've gotten even more out of those matches. Yet, as has been the case for much of the season, their attack has had some question marks surrounding it, while their defence has continued to play a big role in the results they've picked up. As a result, they'll look to avenge that set of results in their final MLS match before the World Cup break, which will see them take on San Diego FC on the road, in what is a rematch of the 2025 Western Conference final, with the Whitecaps aiming to pick up a big win to help maintain their lead atop the MLS Supporters' Shield standings. Otherwise, there's been a lot of news to follow elsewhere in BC, with the big one being the departure of head coach James Merriman from Pacific FC. They dive into that news, before catching up with Vancouver FC's strange start to the season, in a CPL roundup section, before looking at the latest out of the Vancouver Rise, who are finally in the win column in NSL play. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.