✍️ Baltej Bining
Hello Vancouver! It's been an amazing month of soccer in North America, as the World Cup begins its knockout stages following the conclusion of the group stages.
While the Canadian Men's National Team was busy eliminating South Africa and moving into the Round of 16, the Vancouver sides were busy this week, so let's check on them!
This is Vancouver Weekly!
Vancouver Whitecaps
A week away from their first game back from a month-long break, the Whitecaps have continued to train, as the preparations for the second half of 2026 continue.
On the international stage, Paraguay not only qualified as a top-8 third-place side to make it into the Round of 32, but they also took down heavyweights Germany following a penalty shootout, as Whitecaps midfielder Andrés Cubas started that game and went the full 120 minutes, making twelve defensive contributions, six tackles, and four recoveries, while also earning a yellow card. Paraguay will now face World Cup favourites France on Saturday.
Sebastian Berhalter got his moment on the international stage, as during his start against Türkiye, he grabbed a goal and an assist in the USA's 3-2 loss, as Berhalter also had the most touches with 89 and created five chances.
Tonight, Berhalter and the USMNT will face off against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot in the Round of 16 against either Belgium or Senegal.
In some club news, Kenji Cabrera underwent a successful surgery for a fifth metatarsal fracture, with the Peruvian expected to make a recovery within four to six months. He becomes the third player on the club's current injury list, joining Emmanuel Sabbi and Belal Halbouni.
The Whitecaps have confirmed the departure of Belgian defender Joedrick Pupe, who has permanently joined Sint-Truidense on a reported fee of around $1.3M, per Transfermarkt.
The Vancouver Whitecaps return to action in a week from now, as they host Cavalry FC at Swangard Stadium on Wednesday, July 8, at 7:30 pm PT.
Vancouver FC
Today is the day Vancouver FC mark their return.
The Eagles are in Ontario to take on Forge FC at the Hamilton Stadium, with kickoff set for an early 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET.
After that, they will return home to take on Inter Toronto at Willoughby Stadium on Saturday, with kickoff set for 4:00 pm PT.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
It's back to square one for WFC2.
A second-half goal from Mamadou Billo Diop meant Rich Fagan's side was beaten after going a couple of games without losing.
In some other news, midfielder Manav Badwal was selected for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, which is scheduled for July 27 at 4:30 pm PT.
They will not be in action this week, as WFC2 will return on Tuesday, July 7, against Ventura County FC at Swangard Stadium, with kickoff set for 6:00 pm PT.
Vancouver Rise
It's back to the drawing board for Anja Heiner-Møller's side.
Despite a stunning free kick from Anaïs Oularbi, an own goal from Jessika Cowart, and some goals from Lauren Rowe and Kaylee Hunter, the Vancouver Rise extended their winless run to three matches after a 3-1 loss at home against AFC Toronto.
Cowart was also withdrawn from the match due to injury, while both Quinn and Morgan McAslan were unavailable due to injury.
The Rise will return to action on Saturday with a third away game against the Montréal Roses at the Stade Boréale. Kickoff is set for 12:30 pm PT / 3:30 pm ET.
That's it for Vancouver Weekly, as it wasn't a great weekend for Vancouver soccer fans, but I think most are just so absorbed by the CanMNT that many aren't that affected by the results this week.
Three games this week for Vancouver soccer sides; let's hope we can report on a win in the next edition of the column.
Thank you for reading Vancouver Weekly, and we will see you next week, Vancouverites!
