After a scheduling conflict forced the Vancouver Whitecaps to find a new venue for the Concacaf Champions Cup game, the team settled on Langford’s Starlight Stadium as the next-best option.
The Whitecaps will face Tigres UANL in Langford on Feb. 7, then the teams will play again on Feb. 14 at at Estadio Universitario in San Nicolás de los Garza.
Typically, the Whitecaps play at BC Place, but a scheduling conflict meant the team went in search of an alternate venue.
“Ultimately, Starlight Stadium was not only the sole Concacaf approved and available stadium in our province in early February, but the City of Langford has also been extremely welcoming,” Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer said in a news release.
“Although our preference is to always play at BC Place, we are excited for this unique opportunity to further connect with our many fans and supporters on Vancouver Island at a stadium we are familiar with.”
On BC Place’s website, the BC Home and Garden Show is scheduled from Feb. 8-11.
“The opportunity to host such a significant match between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Mexican club Tigres builds on the momentum of previous international sports matches played in Langford over the past few years,” Scott Goodmanson, mayor of Langford said in a news release.
“The timing of the game leads up to Pacific FC’s season, which starts up again in April. Passionate soccer fans will be eager to get back to Starlight and welcome the teams to Langford.”
This is the third time the two teams will face one another. Most recently, in August the game came to a 1-1 draw before the Tigres ultimately won in a shootout.
The winner of this game will move on to face either MLS side Orlando City SC or CPL side Cavalry FC in the Round of 16. If the Whitecaps advance to this round, it will be played at BC Place.
Round of 16 will take place March 5-7 and 12-14.
The game kicks off the Whitecaps’ fourth time playing for the Concacaf regional title, after qualifying in 2015-16, 2016-17 and last season.
Laura Brougham
