The reaction expected from Portland after the sacking of its manager, Giovanni Savarese, wasn’t enough to overcome the visit of the Vancouver Whitecaps for MLS regular season and Cascadia Cup. New Timbers coach Miles Joseph offered a team that came to prove they had still plenty of fight left in the season, but failed to make a statement.
Vancouver scored early in minute 13, via Ryan Gauld, then doubled the advantage on 36 minutes. This time, Gauld assisted Brian White to make it 2-0. Portland reacted in the second half reducing Vancouver’s advantage in minute 53, when forward Felipe Mora finished a cross by winger Darion Asprilla.
Portland looked dangerous with more pride than game pushing on the Whitecaps defense, but a penalty call in Portland’s box, resulted in Vancouver scoring their third goal in minute 60. The Whitecaps held to the advantage, Portland was able to reduce the deficit with a late goal by Evander Ferreira in minute 85.
Now, Portland stands 13th in the Western Conference table with one of the worst goal averages of the league, 26 points and- 13. Only Colorado has a worse goal average of -18. For Vancouver, this was a very important win on the road,that solidified it’s position above the red line, eight points ahead of Portland, sitting 7th, with 34 points with +6.
Portland will have another chance to show the fans their commitment this coming Wednesday when they host Salt Lake City at 7:30 PM PST. Vancouver will continue on the road, and will travel to Chicago, to face the Fire at Soldier Field a couple hours before, at 5:30 PM Western Time, 7:30 PM at local time.
