Vancouver Whitecaps expecting record MLS attendance at Sunday’s game

As their successful run continues, the Vancouver Whitecaps are anticipating the biggest crowd of the season for an MLS match Sunday when they take on rival Los Angeles FC.

The club says more than 21,000 fans are expected to be at the Mother’s Day match.

Vancouver Whitecaps CEO and scouting director Axel Schuster says the big crowd numbers aren’t a surprise, given the team’s success this season.

“We are number one in MLS, we have a record start in our MLS history, we are in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, we play amazing soccer right now,” he said.

“I think everyone in Vancouver knows this now, especially after our success with Miami, and we play a very good opponent with LAFC this weekend, so I think it’s the perfect moment to come to our games.”

Earlier this year, the Whitecaps set a club MLS-era record crowd size of 53,837 attendees at the team’s Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal first leg against Inter Miami CF.

Schuster says he isn’t surprised so many people are expected at the game Sunday, but is rather happy fans are choosing to spend their Mother’s Day afternoon at the game.

“I think our performances and what the team right now is putting onto the pitch is absolutely [deserving of] support,” Schuster said.

“Supporting a team that’s number one in the conference is probably something that gets people out of their homes and makes them buy tickets, so I expect to see more strong numbers in the upcoming games as well.”

The Whitecaps are on a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions, including a four-match winning streak in MLS play. They are also the first team since the 2010 LA Galaxy to earn at least 26 points from the first 11 matches.

Sunday’s game is scheduled for 4 p.m. at BC Place.