Welcome back to another episode of the Third Sub Podcast!

In this episode, Alex and Sam are back, as usual, this time to chat all things Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Rise, Vancouver FC, Pacific FC and more. 

To begin, they dive into the latest out of the Whitecaps, who are back in action after a quiet end to August and start to September. 

Now, with a strange portion of their schedule behind them, they'll get set for a busy end to the 2025 regular season, while also tackling a massive Canadian Championship game in there for good measure. 

After some good rest, can they return to their best in that stretch? They'll hope that can be the case as they continue to welcome back some key reinforcements, further integrate new ones, and return to what worked well for them earlier in the year. 

They haven't been given an easy schedule to start this stretch, as they'll face the MLS-leading Philadelphia Union before taking on Forge FC in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semi-finals a few days later, but they've got a chance to make a bit of a statement in both matches. 

Meanwhile, elsewhere in B.C., Vancouver FC is getting set to take on Atlético Ottawa in leg two of the other semi-final - a tie they currently lead 3-1 after a shock home victory in leg one. Having had a tough regular season campaign to date, they'd love to continue a remarkable run in the cup, so look for them to pull some magic out of their hat in this tie. 

Before then, though, a cool match awaits them in Canadian Premier League action against rivals Pacific FC, who themselves are also looking to get out of a bit of a rut of their own in league play. A match played at a new site, Victoria's Royal Athletic Park, both teams will hope that playing in front of a sold-out crowd provides them with a bit of a boost. 

Lastly, the Vancouver Rise are on fire, as they're now undefeated in eight matches, allowing them to push right up the Northern Super League table. All of a sudden, first place is in reach, and it's hard to see them slowing down with how good they're playing - and they continue to add to the roster, as seen with moves such as the surprise signing of Montréal Roses forward Latifah Abdu. 

Make sure to check out The Third Sub Podcast on Twitter, @thirdsubpod, as well as on Instagram, @the3rdsub_.