Author Archives: Natalia Cury Manduchi da Silva

5 Places You Need to See in South America in Your 20s

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If you’re in your early twenties, this is your time to throw yourself out into the world and explore. We know it’s that moment in life when we have the most energy, curiosity, and willingness to dive into new adventures—but not necessarily the budget. That’s why today we’re talking about South America, an affordable paradise that doesn’t get nearly enough credit. It’s nearby, beautiful, and budget-friendly. Here are 5 must-see destinations to add to your map before turning 30:

1. Peru

If you’re looking for a trip that challenges and transforms you, Peru is the right place. Starting with one of the 7 wonders of the world: Machu Picchu, the sacred city of the Incas is a hike filled with history, nature, and spirituality. It’ll push your limits, but also change your perspective. Peru offers a bit of everything—from snowy mountains and deserts to lush forests and beautiful beaches. A paradise for nature lovers and fans of breathtaking views. And Peruvian food doesn’t disappoint—Lima is a top culinary hotspot, and trying ceviche there is a must. The country is full of hostels, affordable tours, and cheap transportation, meaning you can experience a lot without spending a fortune. Peru is a big adventure that absolutely belongs on your 20-something bucket list.

2. Brazil

Want to meet new people, eat amazing food, and see stunning scenery? You need to go to Brazil. It’s a massive country, so it can be hard to choose where to go, but one thing’s certain: it’s full of life and culture. If you love dancing, this is your spot—Carnival, June festivals, samba circles, funk parties, and sertanejo in the countryside are things you can only truly understand by living them. Brazil is incredibly diverse, with paradise-like beaches, the famous Amazon Rainforest, historic cities, waterfalls, deserts, and more. Brazilian people are hard to define—warm, friendly, chatty, and always open to making new friends. The food is as diverse as the country: from acarajé in Bahia to pão de queijo in Minas Gerais, not to mention feijoada, açaí, tapioca, and pastel. Traveling in Brazil is intense—you’ll fall in love with the places and the people, and with so much to see, you’ll definitely want to come back.

3. Colombia

You’ll fall in love with Colombia, a country full of music, color, and energy. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to dance, feel deeply, and be enchanted. Cities like Medellín stand out for their urban art and innovation, while Cartagena feels like an affordable Caribbean dream—with beautiful beaches and a colorful, vibrant old town. Speaking of beaches, San Andrés and Providencia are crystal-clear, white-sand islands that are often overlooked, but absolutely worth the visit. The Tayrona National Park also deserves a mention, with gorgeous beaches and peaceful spots to explore and relax. You can’t visit Colombia without experiencing the nightlife—Colombians are fun, lively, and love to share their culture. If you love to dance, this is the place to enjoy salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia. Colombia is rich in landscapes, people, and unforgettable experiences. It’s the kind of destination where you can let loose and leave your worries behind.

4. Argentina

Argentina offers one of the richest cultural experiences in South America. It’s a destination full of amazing food, culture, and unreal landscapes. Starting with the cuisine: if you’re a meat lover, this is your place. The famous Argentinian barbecue is a must-try, along with local favorites like empanadas and milanesa. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan capital filled with charm—live music, museums, art galleries, cozy cafés, and vibrant nightlife. In the southwest, you’ll find some of Argentina’s most breathtaking views, especially in Patagonia, with its mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Other unmissable spots include the Andes Mountains, Bariloche, and the Falkland Islands—perfect for all kinds of adventure. Argentina is a romantic, soulful country that’s ideal for solo travel or going with a partner. If you’re looking for a historical, affordable, and deeply meaningful trip, this is it.

5. Chile

This is the ultimate destination for those who seek adventure. Chile is a country where you can visit a massive desert and snow-covered mountains on the same trip. Starting with the jaw-dropping Atacama Desert—a place like no other, with colorful lagoons, geysers, salt flats, and a sky full of stars. In winter, ski resorts like Valle Nevado are filled with young people from all over the world, making it the perfect choice for adrenaline lovers. Santiago, the capital, is modern, rich in history and culture, with diverse gastronomy and a buzzing nightlife—great for young travelers. As one of the safest countries in South America, Chile is perfect whether you’re traveling solo or with friends.

Traveling in your twenties is all about throwing yourself into the world with courage, discovering new places—and discovering more about yourself. South America is full of flavor, nature, and nice people, and it’s right next door. So, start saving, get ready, and go. Your best stories are yet to be written—and remember: the best souvenirs are the ones that don’t fit in your suitcase.

The 5 Biggest Artists Gen Z Just Can’t Stop Listening To

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Music is a part of our daily lives, and some artists come into it to stay forever. Generation Z is definitely loyal to their favorite artists—when they release a song, it becomes a hit, shapes identities, breaks barriers, and becomes our personal soundtrack. Here are 5 artists who, beyond their massive success, are also defining what Gen Z is all about:

1. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s journey began in 2006 as a teenage country singer with songs like “Our Song” and “Tim McGraw”—in the same year, she already landed on the Billboard 200. In 2008, with her second album, Taylor started shifting toward pop while still embracing her country roots. That’s when hits like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” took over the radio stations. Since then, she’s only grown. Today, she has 11 original studio albums and 4 re-recorded ones. Taylor is a singer, songwriter, businesswoman, director, and producer—and she’s built a fan base that’s almost impossible to measure. From 2023 to 2024, her The Eras Tour made history with its massive global impact.

2. Drake

Before music, Drake started out as an actor in 2001, gaining recognition through the Canadian teen series Degrassi: The Next Generation. Even while acting, he had a passion for rap. In 2006, he released his first mixtape Room for Improvement independently, followed by Comeback Season in 2007, which started gaining public attention. In 2009, everything changed—Drake dropped “Best I Ever Had,” which exploded and caught Lil Wayne’s attention. He then released his debut album Thank Me Later, which hit number one on the Billboard charts in 2010. Now with 8 studio albums, Drake is one of the most-streamed artists worldwide, constantly breaking records and winning countless awards.

3. Billie Eilish

Raised in an artistic family, Billie Eilish always had the freedom to explore music. At just 13 years old, in 2015, she recorded “Ocean Eyes”—written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, who’s now her creative partner. The song went viral and led to her signing a record deal. She later released major singles like “Don’t Smile at Me,” “Happier Than Ever,” and “Bad Guy.” At just 23 years old, Billie has already won 5 Grammys and, in 2020, became the youngest person in history to win all four major Grammy categories in one night: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist.

4. Bad Bunny

Born in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny started as a teenager uploading trap and reggaeton songs on SoundCloud. He quickly caught people’s attention and released “Soy Peor” in 2016, which spread rapidly on streaming platforms and social media. By 2017, he was collaborating with big names like J Balvin and Daddy Yankee, becoming one of the leading figures in Latin trap and reggaeton—and one of the most influential Latin artists globally. In 2020, he released El Último Tour Del Mundo, the first all-Spanish album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Today, he’s known not just for his music, but also for his bold lifestyle and social activism.

5. Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo started as an actress in 2016 on the Disney Channel show Bizaardvark and gained more attention in 2019 through the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. While acting, she began writing songs and, in 2021, released the phenomenon “Drivers License.” The track quickly hit No. 1 in multiple countries. Her debut album SOUR followed shortly after and was a massive success, with hits like “Deja Vu” and “Good 4 U” winning fans over. Despite being early in her music career, Olivia has already won Grammys for Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Solo Performance. She’s one of the most influential Gen Z voices today, continuing her rise with her second album GUTS, currently on tour.

Gen Z doesn’t just listen to music—they connect with the lyrics and the artists. These names shape identities, spark conversations, and give young people powerful emotions and memories. However you look at it, the impact of these artists is massive—and still growing.

5 Sitcoms You Need to Watch at Least Once in Your Life

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There are some TV shows that simply win over the audience’s hearts, and sitcoms are a perfect example of that.
Loved by generations, sitcoms make you laugh, help you forget everyday problems, and even bring a touch of nostalgia. Here’s a list of 5 of the best sitcoms you need to watch at least once in your life — whether you’ve never seen them before or just feel like revisiting an old favorite.

1. Friends (1994–2004)

Friends is one of the most iconic series in television history. It follows six friends in their 20s and 30s trying to figure out adult life in New York City. Monica, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, and Phoebe all have very different personalities, making it easy for you to relate to at least one of them. The show captures all their highs and lows — romantic entanglements (and there are many), heartbreaks, jobs, and, of course, hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud.

Few shows have made such a lasting impact. The chemistry among the actors is unmatched, and even though the series is over 20 years old, the humor is timeless. Its iconic quotes are memorized by fans all over the world. Friends is the kind of series you turn to when you want to feel good — lighthearted and comforting.

2. The Office (US) (2005–2013)

Switching styles a bit, The Office is filmed in a “mockumentary” format, meaning it looks like a documentary, but it’s all fictional. It follows the daily life of employees at a paper company, highlighting their interactions and absurd office situations. Much of the humor comes from the awkward but lovable boss Michael Scott, who has become one of the most iconic TV characters ever.

Fans love how the show manages to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. The bizarre personalities of each employee, the awkward silences, and the brilliantly uncomfortable moments are both hilarious and weirdly relatable. You’ll laugh, cringe, and even see yourself in some of these characters.

3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)

Who said a police show can’t be funny? Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows the lives of detectives at the 99th precinct of the NYPD. At the center is Jake Peralta — great at his job, but incredibly immature — who often clashes with his new commanding officer, the no-nonsense Captain Holt. Other quirky characters like Amy Santiago, Rosa Diaz, Gina, Terry, Boyle, Scully, and Hitchcock bring even more charm to the show.

The series is fast-paced and packed with slapstick humor but also manages to address modern social topics, relationships, and diversity — all with a light touch. It’s the perfect mix of goofy and meaningful.

4. How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

If you’re into love stories, this one’s for you. How I Met Your Mother is a long, winding tale told by Ted Mosby to his two kids about how he met their mother. Along the way, we follow the adventures of him and his friends — Marshall, Lily, Barney, and Robin — through love, heartbreak, personal growth, and lots of misadventures.

The most fun part? Even though Ted goes through many relationships, we only find out who the “mother” is at the very end. The show’s non-linear storytelling, emotional arcs, and unforgettable catchphrases like “Suit up!” and “It’s gonna be legendary!” make it a fan favorite that leaves a lasting impact.

5. Modern Family (2009–2020)

Last but definitely not least, Modern Family follows the chaotic and hilarious daily life of a large, blended family. The series features three interconnected family groups: an older man married to a young Colombian woman with a teenage son from a previous marriage, a gay couple raising an adopted Vietnamese daughter, and a “traditional” couple with three kids — who are anything but traditional.

Told in a mockumentary style, the show presents family life with natural humor and sincerity. It’s packed with laughs and teaches valuable lessons about love, diversity, relationships, and parenting. Characters like Phil Dunphy, Gloria, and Cameron will absolutely steal your heart.

These sitcoms are more than just entertainment — they teach us, touch us, and become part of who we are. Whether you’re looking to laugh or simply escape for a while, these shows have captured hearts around the world and continue to resonate with new generations.

If you haven’t watched some of these yet, this is your chance — because it’s never a bad idea to laugh a little, right? So, which one are you (re)watching today?

 

Who Is Alex Warren? Get to Know the Story Behind the Hit “Ordinary” — From Homelessness to the Billboard Top 3

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It’s very likely that you’ve heard the name Alex Warren at some point in the last few months. But if not, let me tell you all about this guy who went from zero to a thousand — and is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in the music world. His life story is filled with resilience, effort, courage, and raw talent, and that’s exactly why it deserves to be told.

Alexander Warren Hughes, best known as Alex Warren, is 24 years old and was born in Carlsbad, California. When he was just 9, he lost his father after a long battle with kidney cancer — a devastating moment for his entire family, especially his mother, who fell into alcoholism afterward. Alex says he only realized she had a problem when he went to clean one of her coffee mugs and discovered it was full of alcohol. Things spiraled, and by the time he was 18, he confronted her — and she kicked him out of the house. A few years later, when he was 21, his mother also passed away.

Alex was broken and homeless, relying on the generosity of friends who let him sleep in their cars — though never in their homes, as his mom had convinced their parents that he was a troublemaker. He lived however he could, with very little, but never gave up. He held onto the one thing that gave him purpose.

During that time, Alex met Kouvr Annon, now his wife, through a mutual friend. They instantly felt like they’d known each other for years and could fully trust one another. They started dating, and just four months later, Kouvr — who lived in Hawaii — left her family behind to live with Alex in a car in California. The couple began posting videos together, and people quickly fell in love with their chemistry. Combined with Alex’s hilarious content with friends, he started gaining millions of followers and actually began making money online.

In 2019, Alex co-founded the Hype House, a collaborative TikTok creator mansion. From that house emerged internet stars like Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae, Chase Hudson, and Thomas Petrou. Every video filmed inside went viral and brought in millions of new followers. But in 2022, after much drama and speculation, Alex and Kouvr decided to move on to the next chapter of their lives.

It was then that Alex started focusing on what he truly loved: music. In 2021, he released his first song, One More I Love You — a track he began writing at just 13 years old, inspired by the loss of his father. Like many content creators trying to break into music, Alex was afraid people wouldn’t take him seriously. So, he created a secret account and posted a short clip of himself singing. The next day, it had over 10 million views.

Alex started channeling all his pain and loss into songwriting. He believes everything in life happens for a reason — and that if it weren’t for his trauma, he wouldn’t have written those songs, helped others through his lyrics, or built a peaceful future with his wife. He could’ve given up when life hit him the hardest, but instead, he chose the right path — and now he’s reaping the rewards.

Following his breakout hit, Alex released powerful songs like Burning Down, Save You a Seat, Ordinary, Before You Leave Me, Carry You Home, and many others. In 2024, he dropped his debut album: “You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1)”, and today his single Ordinary is sitting at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Alex Warren is more than just talent — he’s a symbol of perseverance. He grew through pain, speaks openly about everything he’s lived through, and uses music to genuinely connect with his fans. His success is real, and it’s only going to grow from here.

Alex is necessary — and he deserves everything he’s achieved. If you didn’t know him before, this is your sign. Go listen — you won’t regret it.

Deadpool in Vancouver: 4 Filming Locations You Can Visit!

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Are you in Vancouver and still not sure what to do this summer? I hope you’re a fan of Deadpool, because I’m about to show you some places in the city that served as the backdrop for several scenes from the best anti-hero we’ve got — and that you can actually visit.

  1. GEORGIA VIADUCT

The first one is the Georgia Viaduct, located in downtown Vancouver. It’s safe to say that one of the most iconic scenes in the movie was filmed there — the one where Deadpool fights off a bunch of bad guys on a moving vehicle. The area was even shut down for a few days while filming took place, and that definitely caught the attention of local residents at the time.
You can drive across the viaduct yourself, or here’s a tip: take the SkyTrain Expo Line and sit in the last car heading toward King George Station, or the front car going toward Waterfront Station — that way, you’ll get an amazing view of the area, and as a bonus, you’ll also catch beautiful views of False Creek, Science World, BC Place, and Rogers Arena.

2. ARCH ALLEY

The second spot is Arch Alley, where Deadpool’s girlfriend Vanessa gets kidnapped by Francis’s henchmen. The alley is located between Abbott Street and Cambie Street, right in front of Victory Square. But a word of caution: this area is currently facing some serious social challenges, including high levels of poverty, drug use, and homelessness — so always be careful.
This alley is one of the most frequently used film locations in Vancouver. In addition to Deadpool, it has also appeared in shows like The X-Files, Fringe, Supernatural, and The Man in the High Castle. Take advantage of a rainy day and snap a photo as if you were in the movie!

    3. COBALT HOTEL

The third location is the Cobalt Hotel, located on Main Street. It was used as the exterior of the Gentleman’s Club, the bar where Vanessa works as a waitress. This is a historic building in East Vancouver, dating back to 1911, and it once housed the popular bar known as The Cobalt.

    4. NO. 5 ORANGE

Now speaking of the interior of the Gentleman’s Club — that was actually filmed at our fourth location: No. 5 Orange. Also located in East Vancouver, this is one of the last remaining adult entertainment venues in the city. It’s open 364 days a year — so don’t try to visit on Christmas, they’ll be closed. People say that T.J. Miller and the stunt doubles for both Ryan Reynolds and Miller were spotted there, and even Stan Lee would have recorded his special appearance there.

These are just a few tips on where to find iconic locations from our favorite anti-hero, but I can assure you this is just the beginning. Vancouver has become a paradise for movie and TV show lovers — go for a walk around the city and I’m sure you’ll recognize more than one spot from the big screen!

Over 50,000 People at the 41st Edition of the Vancouver Sun Run, Surpassing Expectations

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Calling all Vancouver runners! This past Sunday, April 27, 2025, the 41st edition of the Vancouver Sun Run took place — the largest 10K race in Canada. The Vancouver Sun Run was created in 1985 by Canadian Olympians Diane and Doug Clement along with Dr. Jack Taunton, with the goal of inspiring people of all ages to adopt a healthier lifestyle in a fun and accessible way.

In its first year, only 3,200 people took part, either running or walking through the streets of Vancouver. Fortunately, over the years, the race grew more popular, attracting new runners and evolving into the major event it is today — almost a tradition for many. And although it’s not a charity event, the Sun Run has supported important causes since the beginning by donating money to them.

The race is open to competitive athletes as well as recreational runners, children, walkers, and people with physical limitations. This year, over 50,000 people participated, surpassing last year’s 45,000. Of those, 39,000 ran the full 10K, up from 35,000 in 2024. In addition to the 10K race, if you’re just getting started or looking for a lighter challenge, the EVA Air 2.5K Mini Sun Run is also a great option.

The race began at Burrard and Georgia, with runners passing through some of Vancouver’s most iconic spots, including English Bay, Burrard Bridge, and Science World, before crossing the finish line near BC Place Stadium. Throughout the route, the energy is one of pure motivation, with cheering spectators, volunteers, and supporters — not to mention water stations, music, restrooms, and first aid services.

In the women’s category, Canadian runner Glynis Sim claimed first place with a time of 32 minutes and 54 seconds. In the men’s category, the winner was British athlete Sam Atkin, finishing in 28 minutes and 9 seconds.

The Vancouver Sun Run has become a meaningful event for the city in recent years, seen as a tradition where people come together for health, diversity, and fun — all in one Sunday each year. The expectation is that the number of participants will keep growing, and in 2026, the 42nd edition will continue to solidify the event’s legacy.

If you didn’t take part this year, don’t worry — there’s always next time. New details will be announced in the coming months, so keep an eye on social media. For more information and event photos, visit the official website: https://www.vancouversunrun.com/

Vancouver Warriors Make History with Victory in First Playoff Game

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Another victory making history in Vancouver sports! For lacrosse fans, the 2025 NLL season has been unforgettable — for the first time ever, the Vancouver Warriors have secured a spot in the playoffs. Their first playoff match took place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, where the team delivered an electrifying performance at home and came out with a win.

In the NLL quarterfinals, it’s a single-elimination game — the winner takes it all and advances to the semifinals. Riding a six-game winning streak, the Warriors came out strong and defeated the Rochester Knighthawks 15–10 in a historic night, securing their place in the semifinals.

The game took place at Rogers Arena, where over 8,000 fans filled the stands, and the players made it clear they were there to win. Led by Brett Mydske, the team got off to a fast start and went into halftime leading 9–3. In the third quarter, the Knighthawks managed to score two quick goals and cut the lead, but the Warriors responded right away with two goals of their own.

Keegan Bal was undoubtedly the star of the game. In his first career playoff appearance, the offensive player scored 5 goals and added 6 assists, totaling 11 points. After the game, Bal made it clear he’s happy with the victory but not satisfied just yet — ever since head coach Curt Malawsky joined the team last year, they’ve seen that the dream of winning a championship could become reality.

Besides Keegan Bal, 10 other Vancouver Warriors players found the back of the net and contributed points, including Kevin Crowley, Marcus Klarich, Dylan McIntosh, Ryan Dilks, Riley Loewen, Jeff Cornwall, Owen Grant, Ryan Martel, and Reid Bowering. Newly acquired goalie Christian Del Bianco also had a standout performance, making 47 saves and helping lead his team to victory.

After the game, Warriors General Manager and Head Coach Curt Malawsky expressed how proud he is of his players, saying they are confident about the playoffs and will be ready for what’s next.

“As a coach, you’re never a coach in a GM for personal gain. You want to see your players win championships. You want to see your players find success. You want to see them spend time with their family after they’ve climbed the mountain and gotten it done. And I think that’s my driving motivation. It’s for the kids now — they have something to look up to, you know what I mean? They’re in BC, and now they aspire to be a Vancouver Warrior. I’m not sure if that was the case a couple of years ago. But it is now, and I think that’s probably one of the prouder moments we have here.”

The semifinals will be a best-of-three series, and the first game is already scheduled. As the number one seed, the Buffalo Bandits will host Game 1 this Friday, May 2, 2025, at KeyBank Center.

Game 2 will take place on May 4, 2025, at Rogers Arena, and tickets are already on sale. A packed arena and high energy are expected — so if you haven’t seen the Warriors live this season, this is your chance. It’s time to put on your black and gold and cheer for the win.

Go Warriors!

Whitecaps Make History at BC Place While Inter Miami and Messi Return Home Defeated

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On Thursday night, April 24, 2025, Vancouver witnessed a historic moment for Canadian soccer. BC Place hosted the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, where the Vancouver Whitecaps faced Inter Miami and secured a 2-0 victory in front of the club’s largest MLS-era crowd, with over 53,000 fans in attendance. Until then, the record had been 51,035 fans — also against Inter Miami back in 2024, when many hoped to see Lionel Messi play, but he ultimately did not take the field.

This time, Messi was on the pitch, and expectations were high for a brilliant performance from the Argentine star. But it wasn’t enough — and it was the home team that stole the show. The Whitecaps came out strong, breaking through Miami’s defense early in the game and taking a big step toward the tournament final. Around the 20-minute mark, Miami nearly scored, but Vancouver responded quickly. At the 24th minute, Brian White opened the scoring. The second goal came in the final minutes, at the 85th, when midfielder Sebastian Berhalter found the back of the net.

After the match, Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the challenges of the game and said he would analyze everything and make the necessary changes:
 “Today we lost, I am the first responsible for this but I still believe in this team & I know we are going to find the way to play a good game in Miami & try to came back.”
 Mascherano also recognized the quality of the team built by Danish coach Jesper Sørensen:
 “Not too much to say — they were better than us. They deserved to win.”
Since Sørensen’s arrival in January 2025, the Whitecaps have shown impressive defensive structure, even though their attacking play is still developing.

 

The second leg is set for Wednesday, April 30 at 5:00 p.m., at Chase Stadium in Florida. Inter Miami now faces a tough challenge: they must win by two goals to take the game to penalties, or by three goals to advance straight to the final.

There’s no denying that Messi’s presence drew massive attention. The energy inside BC Place was electric, and the Whitecaps’ fan support made a huge difference. After defeating a team like Miami in an international semifinal, Vancouver is now just one step away from the Concacaf Champions Cup final.

On the other side of the bracket, two Mexican giants are facing off — Tigres UANL and Cruz Azul. The first leg, held on Wednesday, April 23, ended in a 1-1 draw, so everything is still up for grabs in the return leg.

One thing is clear: no matter who the opponent is in the final, the Whitecaps are ready to make history — and they’ll give everything they’ve got to reach the top and lift the trophy.