The Third Sub Episode 198: Whitecaps home woes continue to start 2024

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 MLS as the 2024 MLS season rolls on. To begin, they take a look back at the Whitecaps latest match, a 2-1 home loss to RSL this past weekend, in which the 'Caps fell 2-1 for a third straight game against RSL. And, much like their previous two RSL losses, which both came in 2023, the Whitecaps also opened the scoring in the first half, before collapsing with two second-half goals, which will certainly give some fans deja vu. Yet, that can be pinned on several factors, which they dive into, including some rare mistakes from what has been an otherwise excellent defensive group in 2024, some continued struggles up front and a key injury to Brian White that ended up hurting them at a crucial time. From there, they take a look ahead to what awaits the 'Caps this week, as they get set for a Cascadia Cup matchup against the Portland Timbers, continuing a four-game homestand at BC Place. A resurgent Timbers side, one led by new head coach Phil Neville and a bunch of new signings, including a trio of Canadians in Kamal Miller, Maxime Crépeau and James Pantemis, this promises to be a good matchup, as battles between these two rivals always are. Two teams who believe they can compete near the top of the Western Conference by the end of the year, it's a good measuring stick game, especially after inconsistent starts from both teams. Lastly, Alex and Sam take a look around MLS in "Around MLS in 5", seeing what stood out from a strange international break matchweek, before previewing what awaits teams this upcoming weekend. Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.