Three matches into the 2017 Major League Soccer season, there was mass panic amongst Vancouver Whitecaps fans. The Caps had narrowly passed New York Red Bulls in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, but drew their home opener against Philadelphia Union. Then, after jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead in San Jose, lost 3-2. Three days later, Vancouver lost 2-0 to Tigres and finished the week losing, in the1 third country in seven days, at home to Toronto FC 2-0.
It was a sad time in Whitecaps land. There was some pessimism heading into the season and the Caps early form only increased that pessimism.