"Like all children, I wanted to be a soccer player. I played quite well, in fact I was terrific, but only at night when I was asleep. During the day I was the worst wooden leg ever to set foot on the little soccer field of my country. Years have gone by and I’ve finally learned to accept myself for who I am: a beggar for good soccer. I go about the world, hand outstretched, and in the stadiums I plead: “A pretty move, for the love of God.” And when good soccer happens, I give thanks for the miracle and I don’t give a damn which team or country performs it." Taken from Eduardo Galeno's Soccer in Sun and Shadow

Cascadia is where this whole adventure really took off for me. I hit Seattle and Portland back in 2012 and had an amazing time. I still haven’t been to Vancouver but hopefully one day!!

I took a look at the 2020 MLS schedule to see if you could hit all three cities in a relatively short period of time, and I came up with two options.

The first option would be around the July 4th holiday. The Timbers host the Crew at Providence Park on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30pm PT. From there you could get to Vancouver as the Whitecaps take on FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 4 at 7pm PT at BC Place. The next day, get back down to Seattle for the Sounders against Minnesota United at Centurylink Field on July 5, at 6pm PT. Fly back to your homebase the next day. 

It’s not logistically the best but again, it is possible. An early morning flight from Portland to Vancouver was around $130 or you could save $20-$30 if you fly out first thing on July 4th. The drive from Portland to Vancouver is about 5 and a half hours. There’s a morning flight for about $150 from Vancouver to Seattle on July 5th. Drive is about 2 and a half hours.

Atlanta United fan Robert Swick knocked this trip out a couple of years ago and suggested the following:

Stay in Portland 7/1 and 7/2 before taking the trek up to Vancouver on the 3rd. Watch the game on the 4th, then drive down to Seattle for the 5th, hang out on the 6th, then fly back on the 7th.  That would give someone basically 2 days in each city and also allows the potential to fly into/out of SEA/TAC versus two one-way’s.  

The second option is in September. Start in Vancouver at BC Place for Vancouver hosting Minnesota United on Sunday, September 13 at 6pm PT. On Wednesday, September 16, the Earthquakes visit Seattle at 7:30pm PT. The last stop is at Providence Park in Portland on Saturday, September 19 for the Timbers against Toronto FC at 6pm PT. 

I like this option the best because you have time to enjoy each city. If you can get a week off from work, family, life, then make it happen!

Providence Park, Portland, OR

CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

BC Place, Vancouver, BC

Things to do

All three cities are amazing so there’s plenty to do. Each city’s site has some suggestions to get you started:

• Portland
• Seattle 
• Vancouver

Match Day

I loved my experiences at Providence Park and Century Link. Make sure to get to the venues early and soak everything in. Each team’s website has a ton of information regarding activities, transportation and more.

• Timbers
• Sounders (participate in the March to the Match if you can!!)
• Whitecaps

Stadium Tours

Each venue hosts a tour. Check out the information and see if you can squeeze one in.

• Providence Park (Make sure to call at least a week ahead to schedule)
• CenturyLink Field
• BC Place (Includes admission to the BC Sports Hall of Fame)

Lower League Teams

There are tons of from the lower leagues of American soccer, if you wanted to squeeze an extra game or two. Plus there’s Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League. Check out my map of US and Canadian teams to find a team.

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Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Here to help. Comment below or email me at austinlong1974@gmail.com.

Good luck and safe travels!!