by Matt Hoffman
The Portland Timbers played the Vancouver Whitecaps to a scoreless draw in the first of a home and home series that was both chippy and captivating but without controversy.
Allen Chapman and his crew let a lot of plays go only handing out two cards.
The controversy is that the game ended with only a pittance of extra time. Moreover the game ended with the Timbers being denied a corner kick opportunity.
The series resumes next week in Vancouver (time to be announced).
Jake Gleeson made his first start for the Timbers since 2011 and filled in admirably.