KeyBank Scouting Report | Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers | Oct. 23, 2016

Timbers.com Staff

MATCH INFORMATION

Date: Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016
Kickoff: 1 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: BC Place (Vancouver, B.C.)
Forecast: Mostly sunny, 61 degrees
Referee: Alan Kelly
Assistant Referees: Matthew Nelson, Kyle Atkins Fourth Official: Allen Chapman
TV: ROOT SPORTS
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

Currently tied with Sporting Kansas City for sixth place in the Western Conference standings, the Timbers will advance to the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the third time in four seasons with a win against Whitecaps FC. Additionally, the Timbers could potentially qualify for the playoffs with a draw or a loss against Vancouver. With a win against Vancouver on Sunday, Portland will clinch its second Cascadia Cup title since joining MLS in 2011. Additionally, Portland would claim the Cascadia Cup with a draw, or a loss by two or fewer goals. Whitecaps FC venture into Sunday’s match winless in their last four games. At BC Place, Whitecaps FC are 5-5-6 in 2016, losing three of their last four matches at home. Forward Pedro Morales leads the team in goals (8).

LAST MATCH RECAP

The Portland Timbers’ run in the 2016-17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League came to an end with a 1-1 draw against Deportivo Saprissa in the final group-stage match at Providence Park before 16,977 fans on Oct. 16. Entering Wednesday’s match with one point fewer than Deportivo Saprissa, the Timbers needed a win to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in club history. With the result, the Timbers finished second in the Group B standings, while remaining unbeaten at home in CONCACAF Champions League play, including the 2014 campaign. Down 1-0, Portland leveled the score early in the second half when forward Jack McInerney scored his eighth goal across all competitions this season.

LAST TIME VS. WHITECAPS FC

The Portland Timbers recorded their fourth home win of the season on May 22, as four different players found the back of the net, giving the Timbers a 4-2 win over Cascadia-rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES

The Timbers and Whitecaps FC have met 86 times since 1975. Since joining MLS in 2011, Portland leads the regular-season series 7-3-6, with the Timbers taking a 4-2 win in their most recent meeting at Providence Park on May 22. At BC Place, the Timbers have produced a 3-2-2 regular-season record since join- ing MLS in 2011, outscoring Whitecaps FC 9-6, while also holding the Canadian club scoreless on three occasions at BC Place during that stretch. In their only match at BC Place this season, the Timbers opened the scoring in the 34th minute of play when defender Nat Borchers found the back of the net, heading into halftime. But, the home side managed to take a 2-1 win after scoring two second-half goals.

SCOUTING WHITECAPS FC

Whitecaps FC venture into Sunday’s match winless in their last four games, with Vancouver’s last win occurring on Sept. 10 when it produced a 3-1 victory against Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium. At BC Place, Whitecaps FC are 5-5-6 in 2016, losing three of their last four matches at home. Forward Pedro Morales leads the team in goals (8), while midfielder Christian Bolanos leads the team in assists (7).

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS

Currently tied with Sporting Kansas City for sixth place in the Western Conference standings with 44 points, the Timbers will advance to the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the third time in four seasons with a win against Whitecaps FC. Additionally, the Timbers could potentially qualify for the playoffs with a draw or a loss against Vancouver (full list of playoff scenarios).