✍️ Baltej Bining

Happy Wednesday, everybody, and welcome back to Vancouver Weekly - a TrueNorthFoot column discussing all things related to Vancouver soccer from the past week!

Let's jump into this week's edition, as we have plenty to cover.

This is Vancouver Weekly!

Vancouver Whitecaps

A loss that didn't feel like much due to the next one!

After a 1-0 loss against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, the Vancouver Whitecaps bounced back with a 5-0 win against FC Dallas on Saturday!

That win was huge, as Vancouver regained first place after the Dynamo lost it following a 2-1 loss to St. Louis City SC.

Brian White and Bruno Caicedo made their returns from injury last weekend, with both getting goals in the Dallas win, White grabbing a brace.

Off the pitch, Vancouver announced the acquisition of American-born Colombian Sebastián Ramírez on a one-year loan from Fortaleza CEIF. However, the midfielder is set to be used often as a central defender. Today, the club finally announced the acquisition of Canadian midfielder Emrick Fotsing from Vancouver FC, as the 18-year-old will remain in the CPL on loan through the remainder of this current season. The Whitecaps remain busy in the window, with reports stating that the club is in talks to acquire Angolan right-back Rui Modesto from Serie A side Udinese Calcio.

The Whitecaps will hit the road, as they will face Sporting Kansas City on Saturday at Sporting Park, with kickoff set for 5:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm CT.

Vancouver FC

All good things must come to an end.

The Eagles saw their 6-match unbeaten run in league play snapped by Atlético Ottawa, who destroyed them by a 4-0 scoreline at TD Place Stadium on Wednesday. It got worse: On Saturday, they lost to the Halifax Wanderers by a 1-0 scoreline, who had not won their previous five matches heading into this one.

Vancouver FC are now in fourth place, but are seven points clear of the Wanderers, while also having a superior goal difference.

As previously mentioned, midfielder Emrick Fotsing is off to the Vancouver Whitecaps, but will remain with Vancouver FC through a loan deal. The fee received is a club record deal for the Eagles, as it was previously reported that the 'Caps would pay up to $485,000 CAD with some significant add ons, while the club retains a 20% sell on clause.

Next up will be an away day against the mighty Cavalry on Saturday at ATCO Field, with kickoff set for 2:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm MT.

Vancouver Rise

What an away day!

It was a scintillating win for Anja Heiner-Møller's side, as the Vancouver Rise dismantled the Ottawa Rapid by a 5-1 scoreline, which puts the Rise in the fourth and final NSL playoff spot!

It was a huge win for several reasons, as this was Vancouver's first win over Ottawa in 2026, while new signing Alex Lamontagne introduced herself with two goals, an assist, and by winning a penalty that Camila Reyes converted. Forward Jessica De Filippo continued her excellent August; while she didn't put a ball past Melissa Dagenais herself, the second-place leading scorer was able to record two assists, and she is now tied for second in assists recorded this season in the NSL.

The Rise will look to make it three consecutive wins on Saturday at Swangard Stadium, as they host the Calgary Wild, with kickoff set for 3:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm MT.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

WFC2 weren't in action this past week, as they were given a bye week.

The son of Vancouver Canucks legend Henrik Sedin has signed a professional contract with the club until June 2028: Canadian U-20 midfielder Valter Sedin returns to the club after spending a year and a half with the U-19 team of Swedish side Hammarby IF. Sedin has made appearances for the club, but now he signs his first professional contract.

WFC2 will be in action on Wednesday at Swangard Stadium against LAFC2, and either a regulation or shootout loss would eliminate the club from playoff contention, with kickoff set for 6:00 pm PT.

After that, the club will face Sporting Kansas City II at home on Sunday, with kickoff set for 4:00 pm PT / 6:00 pm CT.

That's all for this week's edition of Vancouver Weekly, and I hope you enjoyed the read!

See you next week, Vancouverites!