Match day: Vancouver Whitecaps
For football fans, the MLS should have your attention. After the completion Qatar 2022, North America is set to host the next instalment of the competition in 2026. I watched a MLS game in Vancouver- a host city for the next World Cup. If you want to know my thoughts of game and what the World Cup may look like- read below.
Pre-game:
With American sports having a focus on tailgating, I didn’t know what to expect from a MLS game. I watched the MLS in Vancouver, Canada so the experience will most likely change depending on where you go. Vancouver took on Houston Dynamo FC and there was a few people hanging around B.C Place before the game. The build-up was ok, it was family friendly and there was a few bits of entertainment going on here and there. There was also a DJ but he would occasionally shout at the crowd trying to get them going but missed the vibe of the atmosphere completely and it was cringy.
The game:
B.C Place is a fantastic looking stadium and I had some great seats. The bottom tear of the stadium was scarce of people but during the World Cup the stadium would be bouncing.
How was the fan experience? Try paying $20 (around £13.50) for a beer. I was priced out. If that’s how much they are going to charge for beers during the World Cup, save up.
As the players were coming out, the media team had assembled a montage and it was surprisingly cool with good music. I was actually excited for the game.
A small group of people had gathered at the front of the stand and had drums and were getting ready to sing. One guy with a microphone then started to lead the chants.
This for me is when the experience became uncomfortable. I’d heard about how weird MLS football chants can be but this was something else. I didn’t really know what was happening as the crowd started to pretend to row and when Vancouver fell behind after 6 minutes, no one even saw the goal. They were busy dancing.
I can’t say I’m a fan of that- part of the atmosphere in European football is that people actually watch the game.
I felt like fans in Vancouver kind of missed the point. I had to cringe when I heard, ‘Ref… You absolutely suck.’.
Away from the fans, the standard of football was mediocre. When you hear of footballing legends going to retire and play in the MLS, it makes sense. Vancouver seemed to only have one plan going forward and that was play it out to the wing and cross it into the box.
That being said, in terms of entertainment, the game was good. After Vancouver conceded early, the game was one of few chances until the 88th minute when Vancouver equalised. There was further drama when Vancouver scored the winner in the 92nd minute. Scenes.
Not really. It was a great ending to the match though. The Vancouver Whitecaps then came and applauded the fans to the chorus of ‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E. King. I’m not sure what would’ve happened if they’d lost.
Post-game verdict
Overall watching a game of MLS was an enjoyable experience however I wouldn’t recommend going every week.
So what do I think about the World Cup? I think it’ll be great. The stadium was quality and full of proper football fans I can see the place bouncing. In the summer Vancouver is an amazing city and I’d love to watch a game there. Just don’t expect anything to be cheap- I’d start saving now.
