MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2016 Kickoff: 2 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: BC Place (Vancouver)
Forecast: Sunny, 71 degrees
Referee: Kevin Stott
Assistant Referees: Chris Strickland, Andrew Bigelow Fourth Official: Alejandro Mariscal
National TV: KPTV FOX 12
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst), Samantha Yarock (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: Keith Bleyer (play-by-play), Brett Jacobs (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Heading into Saturday’s match, the Timbers are unbeaten in their previous three league matches, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1, drawing the New England Revolution 1-1, and most recently defeating Toronto 2-1. Saturday’s match marks the 15th meeting in MLS play between both teams since 2011, with Portland leading the regular-season series 6-2-6. In six games played at BC Place, the Timbers have only lost on one occasion, compiling a 3-1-2 regular- season record in Vancouver. Entering Saturday’s game, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are coming off a 3-2 loss to New York City FC on April 30, suffering defeat in three of its last five games in MLS play. In four games played at BC Place, Vancouver have produced eight points, registering a 2-1-2 record.
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers defeated Toronto FC 2-1 on May 1, extending their unbeaten run in league play to three games. Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri provided a goal and an assist, while forward Fanendo Adi scored his seventh goal of the season during the win.
LAST TIME VS. WHITECAPS FC
Midfielder Diego Valeri tallied the game’s opening goal and the Portland Timbers recorded a hard-fought, 1-1 draw against Cascadia-rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC, extending their home unbeaten streak to seven consecutive games.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Dating back to the first matchup between the Timbers and Whitecaps on May 16, 1975 – a 2-0 win for Portland in Vancouver – the Timbers are a combined 30-35-18 against their Canadian rivals. In MLS regular-season play, Portland leads the series 6-2-6, including a 3-1-2 record at BC Place. In the most recent match between both teams at BC Place, Portland defeated Vancouver 2-0 in the Western Conference Semifinals. From Oct. 2, 2011-March 28, 2015, the Timbers produced a five-game unbeaten run at BC Place, outscoring Whitecaps FC 9-4 during that stretch. Additionally, the Timbers have recorded three shutouts in six games played at BC Place, notching five goals in all three games, including a 3-0 victory over Vancouver at BC Place on Aug. 30, 2014.
SCOUTING WHITECAPS FC
Heading into Saturday’s game, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are coming off a 3-2 loss to New York City FC on April 30. Whitecaps FC have suffered defeat in three of its last five league games, registering a 1-3-1 record during that stretch. In four games played at BC Place this season, Vancouver have produced eight points, registering a 2-1-2 record. Midfielder Pedro Morales leads the team in goals (4), while midfielder Cristian Techera has recorded a team-high two assists so far in 2016.
Led by head coach Carl Robinson, Whitecaps FC signed six players during the offseason, including veterans such as midfielder Andrew Jacobson and forward Blas Perez. During the off season, Vancouver lost nine players from its 2015 roster, including Steven Beitashour, Gershon Koffie, Mauro Rosales and current Timbers midfielder/forward Darren Mattocks.
