Whitecaps/ Timbers Game Intro
Vancouver’s dream season long run to the playoffs has looked much more hesitant of late with some indifferent results over the past few weeks.
10:30 PM ET Record
VANWH 10-9-7 (3-7-3 V)
PORT 5-13-6 (5-4-3 H)
Matchup
The team has drawn too many matches, and is also starting to drop more points with some losses.
As a result, the Whitecaps have slipped from third to fifth in the playoff positions in the Western Conference, so they are holding onto the final spot but can’t afford to fall any further.
Portland is having a most disappointing season but will be energized for this encounter, with the Cascadia Cup standings still serving as motivation for the club to take home some silverware.
Portland Timbers
The Timbers roster promises an abundance of talent with big ‘keeper Donovan Ricketts, and considerable outfield players such as Darlington Nagbe, Kosuke Kimura, and Sal Zizzo, but the sum of all that ability has been considerably less than the parts this year.
The team just has been unable to gel with any consistency, suggesting that there are issues with the coaching that need to be resolved.
Portland remains the only team in MLS that has yet to win away from home in 2012 and will be eager to cast aside that poor record. The Timbers drew 1-1 with the ‘Caps in their last meeting back on May 26th in Portland.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Injury, suspension and personnel movement have ravaged the Vancouver line-up over the past couple of months, and the team depth had been able to sustain the post-season push to this point, but concern is building with their slide in the standings.
A win over their regional rival would do the trick to help turn the tide here, and Vancouver must take advantage of the Timbers’ road woes.
Jay DeMerit, Martin Bonjour and Barry Robson are all available again after various absences last time out against t
The Portland Timbers welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to town for a Cascadia Cup Clash. Hold onto your scarves.
he Seattle Sounders, that saw a disjointed Vancouver side play below their potential.
This can be the bounce back game.
Darren Mattocks should also feel inspired as it was the earlier match with the Oregon squad that saw the young Jamaican notch his first MLS goal.
Predictions
Vancouver needs to make a definitive statement and re-establish their pedigree. (Stay tuned for a special article next week as we analyse the recent games between Vancouver and their North-west neighbours).
Vancouver will step up for a 2-0 victory at home to Portland.
Video
Whitecapsfc.com’s Carl Valentine discovers the Scottish connections between Portland and Vancouver.
Timbers Army member Bruce Eaton explains why the Cascadia Cup is so important to supporters and players
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