(4) Portland Timbers (14,11,4, 46 points) vs (8) Vancouver Whitecaps (10,9,10, 40 points)
Wednesday October 20, 2021, KO 7:00 PM PST/ 10:00 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
A game to forget as defensive miscues cost the Timbers their recent unbeaten run. Still, the need to strengthen their game is imperative if they are to finish on a high note on this season.
As we are aware of the foe in turn for the Portland Timbers, the Caps are currently enjoying a winning revival and looking forward to moving into the postseason spots. In this match, not only the Cascadia Cup will be in play, but a chance for the visitors a win to solidify a spot in the promised land of the playoffs.
However, the need to step up the defensive game is imperative in the remainder, not only in this match, but in the entire season. Very well the dependence of Sebastian Blanco as the team savior shouldn’t be as much. In the field there are eleven players, so teamwork is a must!
The need for the Rose City success will be dependent entirely on the team’s seriousness to take in every match as well prevent any miscues that can cost them in the home stretch of the season. In addition, they need to dominate possession as well as shots and maintain total control of the game.
This is a game that will have all the connotations of a final for both sides for one to assure its climb to the postseason spots. And for the Timbers, to restore their self-confidence and finish among the top four spots and open the playoffs at home.
After all, we all learn from our blunders.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larrys Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Pablo Bonilla; Diego Chara, George Fochive; Yimmy Chara, Sebastian Blanco, Dairon Aspirilla; Felipe Mora
Vancouver Whitecaps Briefly
As interim manager, Vanni Sartini continues to deliver positive results at BC Place. So far, his Caps are within a point behind Minnesota for the last postseason spot in the Western Conference.
Its now or never for the Vancouver bunch to continue with their positive streak and realize their goal of netting a spot for the postseason.
As manager Sartini stated after their huge win over SKC in BC Place, “We’re still in the fight, and we’re going to fight ‘til the end”. The man is doing an amazing job at the helm of the Vancouver side as he has upgraded his team game and results speak aloud of his work.
Somehow, Wednesday night will see a show of two titans looking at any cost to deliver in the end three golden points. The Caps coming from a great win over Sporting Kansas City while their Cascadia foes lost in LA over the weekend.
Probable Lineup:
GK Maxime Crepeau, Florian Jungwirth, Ranko Veselonic, Erik Godoy; Javain Brown, Leonard Owusu, Russell Teibert, Bruno Gaspar; Ryan Gauld; Cristian Dajome, Brian White
Meetings
09/10/2021 Vancouver Whitecaps 0-1 Portland Timbers
04/18/2021 Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 Portland Timbers
11/01/2020 Portland Timbers 1-0 Vancouver Whitecaps
Line
Vancouver is coming to town on a great run, Portland will have its hands full, an even match
