Author Archives: Eric Chan

A victorious day for the Whitecaps in Minnesota

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(photo: @WhitecapsFC, x.com)

A victorious day for the Whitecaps in Minnesota, as they extended their lead atop the Western Conference with a 3-1 win against Minnesota United in Saint Paul, Minn., on Sunday, April 27.

Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring with a screamer from outside the box in the 55th minute, after a VAR drama over a potential offside following an attack down the right side by Giuseppe Bovalina. The play was initially ruled offside, but the goal was allowed by referee Drew Fischer after a video review.

The Whitecaps dominated the match, adding two more goals in the 66th and 70th minutes through Pedro Vite. After coming on as a substitute in the 63rd minute, Vite made an immediate impact. He combined with Daniel Ríos and J.C. Ngando, skillfully lobbing the ball past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in the 66th minute. The Ecuadorian international now has eight goal contributions across all competitions this season (three goals, five assists).

Just four minutes later, in the 70th minute, Vite struck again. After a set-up from Ngando and Ali Ahmed, he fired a one-touch strike into the bottom right corner, once again beating St. Clair and showcasing the strength of the Whitecaps’ attacking front.

At the postmatch press conference, the ‘Caps’ Head Coach Jesper Sørensen talked about the performance of his players:

“When you change as much as we did for this game, I think that you don’t really have certainty what the outcome will really be… I trust the players, they have been doing well so I don’t have any reason not to trust them… in the second half, we got more flow into the game, and we came further and closer to scoring. And then, Sebastian [Berhalter], of course – him stepping onto the pitch in the second half – helped a lot… Pedro [Vite] played a great game when he came in, scoring two goals, being a decisive player for us in this victory. Him and Sebastian – you can see how much they have grown out of this period we’ve been in. They’ve got a lot of confidence, they have good belief in themselves and it’s players that want to improve and they have improved I think.”

Watch the full post match interview here:

The Whitecaps extended their unbeaten run record to five matches to begin the year (3W-0L-2D). It’s the best five-game start on the road in the club’s MLS era, setting a strong foundation heading into their next big match in Florida.

The ‘Caps will now shift focus to the highly anticipated second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals against Inter Miami CF, set for Wednesday, April 30, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.

Burnaby Art Gallery: Arts Alive and Artist Apprenticeship

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(Image credit: Burnaby Art Gallery, https://www.burnaby.ca/)

Ever wonder what the young talents can bring to the community with their art? Burnaby Art Gallery is teaming up with School District 41 for the 43rd year, inviting elementary students from Grade K to 7 to celebrate the pauses and moments of positive awareness in our everyday lives.

Presenting the Arts Alive exhibition, ‘Awesomeology: Gratitude in the Little Things’, inspired by Allie Ward’s “Ologies” podcast episode ‘Awesomeology (Gratitude) with Neil Pasricha,’ students created paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs collaboratively in their classrooms to capture what they think is awesome.

(Image credit: Kitchener Elementary Grade 2/3, Teachers Tania Forbes and Lucia Rinaldo, Burnaby Art Gallery, https://www.burnaby.ca/)

The Artist Apprenticeship program gives Grade 11 and 12 students from SD41 a chance to work closely with professional artists and arts mentors, helping them grow their creative skills and find their own voice. Now in its 17th year, the program ran over nine weeks, giving senior secondary students time to really dive into the theme of “shadows.” Through workshops, studio time, and mentorship, students explored how shadows could represent ideas of transformation, growth, and self-reflection in their own artwork.

(Image credit: Burnaby Art Gallery, https://www.burnaby.ca/)

The young artists experimented with different mediums, techniques, and concepts, challenging themselves to think beyond what they already knew about art. Their final exhibition is a conversation between their work and pieces from the City of Burnaby’s Permanent Art Collection, offering a fresh take on how the past and present can connect through creativity. This show is not just about showcasing talent — it’s about showing the journey each student has taken.

Throughout the year, Burnaby Art Gallery presents exhibitions that challenge and inspire, featuring artists ranging from local talents to internationally recognized names. The artists who show here use a wide range of styles, techniques, and voices to spark conversations about culture, politics, and lived experience. Whether it’s through painting, printmaking, or experimental works, the gallery creates a space where different perspectives meet — and where art pushes us to see the world a little differently.

The two exhibitions run in the Burnaby Art Gallery from May 2-June 1.


For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/6F5u50VwLpB

 

 

Step Back in Time: Discover Burnaby Village Museum This Summer

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If you’re looking for a spot to chill with friends and experience something different, Burnaby Village Museum is a great place to spend a day. It’s a place where you can slow down, explore, and take a break from the usual routine.

The summer season runs from May 3 to September 1, 2025. Walking through the village feels like stepping into the 1920s. There are old-style buildings, people dressed in period clothes, and lots of little things to discover along the way. You can wander across the 10-acre site and check out spots like the one-room schoolhouse, the blacksmith shop, and the general store. There’s no rush — you can take your time, look around, and let yourself get lost in all the great details.

It is easy to lose track of time here. You might find yourself hanging around watching the blacksmith work, taking a few rides on the carousel, or just grabbing a coffee at Mai’s Café and relaxing for a while. The last time I was there, I ended up spending way more time than I planned, just walking around, checking out hidden corners, and enjoying the old-world vibe. It’s also a great spot if you want to snap a few photos — the vintage buildings and little streets are perfect for it.

There is always something happening too — like scavenger hunts across the site, Indigenous storytelling sessions, and hands-on activities like blacksmith demos and cedar basket weaving. These experiences give you a real feel for how people lived back then, but without making it feel like a formal history lesson.

This summer also brings two feature exhibitions to check out. “delecTABLE: Burnaby Food Journeys” looks at how local food culture has grown and changed over time. “From Afghanistan to Canada, with Hope” shares personal stories and traditions from Afghan families who now call Burnaby home, adding another layer of real-life stories to the village.

And the best part — admission is completely free. Whether you are into history, culture, or just looking for a relaxing day to hang out with friends, Burnaby Village Museum is the kind of place where the hours just slip away. You might come for a quick visit and end up staying all afternoon.

Plan your visit — and see where the day takes you! Come step back in time and discover Burnaby Village Museum this Summer! 

To find our more details, please visit Burnaby Village Museum website:
https://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/

Experience an Authentic Hong Kong Market Right in Metro Vancouver

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(photo:  Vancouver Hong Kong fair, https://www.vancouverhkfair.com/)

Have you ever wished you could travel to another country just in the blink of an eye? While we might not have that technology just yet, I think I’ve found something in Vancouver that will give you a taste of what it could feel like!

The Vancouver Hong Kong Fair 2025 is happening on Sunday, May 11, at The Shipyards in North Vancouver. It’s a great chance to experience a bit of Hong Kong right here in the city. You will find all kinds of cool stuff, from handmade crafts to delicious Hong Kong snacks, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

When you walk into the fair, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into one of Hong Kong’s busy markets. There are over 80 booths with everything from unique art to local products. It’s a great place to explore and maybe even find something you didn’t know you were looking for.

You can also try out some hands-on activities. There’s a chance to get creative with things like paper crafts or watch a story being told in Cantonese. It’s a fun way to connect with Hong Kong’s culture.

This fair is definitely family-friendly. If you have kids, there are plenty of activities for them, like Cantonese storytelling or trying out some traditional games. You can also enjoy live music and dance performances, giving you a little taste of the arts scene from Hong Kong.

There’s even a cool VR and AR experience that lets you explore Hong Kong’s past. It’s an awesome way to learn about Hong Kong’s history and culture.

Of course, a Hong Kong fair wouldn’t be complete without the famous snacks! There will be lots of food stalls with street food classics like dim sum and egg waffles. It’s a great chance to try some flavors you might not get anywhere else in Vancouver.

The Vancouver Hong Kong Fair is more than just a fun event. It’s about celebrating the community and learning about the culture. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family while getting to know a little more about Hong Kong and its history in Vancouver.

If you’re looking for something fun to do, this fair is a great way to spend your Sunday. It’s perfect if you want to try something new or just enjoy the atmosphere with family or friends.

For more details, you can visit their website: https://www.vancouverhkfair.com/home
 It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

 

 

NSL: Vancouver Rise FC Battles Hard in Loss to Montreal Roses

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Following a victorious start to their NSL campaign just over a week ago at BC Place, Vancouver Rise FC were defeated by Montreal Roses FC 3-1 on Sunday April 28 in Northern Super League action. Montreal held an early 2-0 lead just 14 minutes into the game and controlled the tempo from there. Hailey Whitaker, Alexandria Hess, and Latifah Abdu all scored for the league-leading Montreal side, who now sit at 2-0-0.

Vancouver Rise came out fresher in the second half and put in a strong effort, trying to recover from the early 3 goals loss. In the 55th minute, Canadian soccer star and Olympic gold medallist Quinn was able to win a penalty after being brought down in the box. They calmly stepped up and converted from the spot, scoring the second goal in team history.

“Well, it definitely was disappointing,” Rise head coach Anja Heiner-Møller said after the match. 

“I think there are some things we can take with us, especially in the second half. But in the first half, we were not playing our style of play, and they were stronger overall — in second balls, in the duels — so we didn’t get to play the game we wanted. Still, we’re proud that we came out in the second half and changed the picture of the game.”

The game was played at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, marking Vancouver’s first home match at Swangard after their memorable 1-0 win at BC Place over Calgary Wild FC on April 16 — the league’s historic inaugural game. Over 14,000 fans had packed BC Place for that first match, setting a high bar for energy and support.

Despite the loss to Montreal, there were bright moments for Rise fans to take away. The team showed resilience, improved their possession in the second half, and continued to fight until the final whistle. As a brand-new team finding its identity, these early matches are key experiences heading into the long NSL season.

Looking ahead, Vancouver Rise FC will stay at home to host Halifax Tides FC in their next match at Swangard Stadium on May 5.

 

Fans can follow the team’s journey and find more updates at https://www.vanrisefc.com.

Ticket Mania: Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami at BC Place

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(Photo: https://www.mlssoccer.com/)

An MLS-era record crowd of 53,837 fans filled BC Place on April 24, 2025, witnessing Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeat Inter Miami CF 2-0 in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.

Back in May 2024, a sold-out crowd was left disappointed when it was announced just two days before the game that Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets would not be playing against the Whitecaps.

This time, ahead of the clash between the Whitecaps and Inter Miami, and with the possibility of seeing Messi play at BC Place, the excitement was even higher.

Pre-sale tickets were made available to Whitecaps season members 24 hours prior to the general sale. The pre-sale queue had over 13,000 people waiting, and all tickets sold out shortly after they were released to the general public.

Shortly after the sellout, tickets for the game were being resold for over $100 to more than $1,000. The cheapest available tickets in the first few days were around $224 per seat, securing you a spot in section 406, located in BC Place’s upper bowl, in the corner of the pitch — a big jump compared to premium seating for a usual MLS game right next to the field.

Over the week leading up to the matchup, the resale market saw huge shifts with supply and demand, causing prices to fluctuate.

On April 19, it was reported that after the game against Columbus Crew, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi immediately headed down the tunnel, walking with a slight limp. That led to a drastic drop in the resale market, with many tickets returning close to face value.

Unsurprisingly, once news broke that Messi had boarded a plane to Vancouver, the resale market rebounded. Prices got another major boost when he was spotted training at UBC the day before the match, reaching close to $300 per seat, and up to $2,300 for premium spots.

Meanwhile, the Whitecaps have been flying to start the 2025 season, currently sitting first overall in the MLS standings after nine matches, with a record of 6 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws.
It’s not surprising to see growing attendance for upcoming matches — and someday soon, our true Whitecaps supporters might feel the same bittersweet pain as fans of the big clubs in the English Premier League.

At the end of the day, whether it’s for the love of a superstar or for the love of the badge, nights like this remind us why we show up — for the moments, the memories, and the magic that only soccer can deliver.

 

 

 

A momentous night at BC Place with 53,837 fans witnessed the Whitecaps defeat Inter Miami

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(Photo: @whitecapsfc, x.com)

An MLS-era record crowd of 53,837 fans were in attendance at BC Place on Thursday April 24, witnessing Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeat Inter Miami CF 2-0 at the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Whitecaps FC have been flying to start the 2025 season, as of the time of writing, currently sitting first overall in the MLS standings after nine matches with a record of 6W-1L-2D.

“It was a great and amazing evening and amazing atmosphere, playing in an amazing stadium for great fans and everybody coming out,” Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen said post-match. “It was exciting, obviously. If you can’t be excited about a night like tonight, then it’s difficult.”

Brian White scored the first goal with a stunning header, assisted by Pedro Vite with a beautiful cross into the box. Sebastain Berhalter secured the win with another goal, assisted by Jayden Nelson in the 85th minute. Yohei Takaoka kept his seventh clean sheet of the season (MLS 5, CCC 2), the Whitecaps FC now take a 2-0 advantage into the decisive second leg.

Brian White has now tied Carl Valentine for fourth on the club’s all time scoring list with 65th goal for the Whitecaps.

“I think it’s fair to say that a lot of people who have seen us play have been happy with the attack… but we’ve been a good defensive team,” said Sørensen. “We also showed that today – that even when the way we would like to play doesn’t really work, and we make too many bad passes, and we lose the ball way too easy, then we can still rely on our structure and rely on our defense side.”

Added Berhalter: “Just the resilience, the character, the fight to keep going. We talked about this all week; we know we can do this. This is not a surprise to us.”

It’s not the first time Inter Miami has found themselves in a similar position during the Concacaf Champions Cup. Back in April 10th, Lionel Messi scored two goals and assisted on another to see Inter Miami’s impressive 3-1 comeback victory (3-2 aggregate) over LAFC at Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal. 

“We have nothing to lose. We have to win the game, we have to score two goals. The pressure is on Vancouver now to keep the result,” Former Argentina National Team captain/ Miami coach Javier Mascherano said ahead of the second semifinal.

“I still believe in this team and I know that we are going to find a way to play a good game in Miami and try to come back,” Mascherano added.

The semifinal series now shifts to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the second leg on Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. PT.

Prior to the second leg of the semifinal, Whitecaps are back in the MLS on Sunday, April27 playing away at Minnesota United FC and hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 3 at BC Place.