Playoffs Over for Timbers after 0-5 loss to Vancouver

Timbers Army TIFO Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Portland Timbers by Diego G Diaz.

The Portland Timbers had their most disappointing match of their season in their most important game of the year. Having lucked out with home field advantage due to a scheduling issue, Portland hosted the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Audi MLS wild card playoff match Wednesday night. The Timbers Army filled the North End with a TIFO display and smoke at the ready. Unfortunately, the smoke would go unused.

Vancouver started the match with high energy and good pressure. Juan Mosquera, the only Timber to start every match this season, took a shot from distance in the 16th that was saved by Yohei Takaoka. James Pantemis, starting keeper for Portland, punched away an attempt by Ryan Gauld on the following play.

The Timbers had their first corner kick of the night in the 18th minute with service by Evander. Vancouver followed up with a corner of their own in the 20th with Fabrice Picault’s attempt being saved by James, but not cleared or held. Tristan Blackmon got a shot in but missed. Ryan Gauld was next with a shot that Pantemis saved followed by another that finally found the back of the goal.

Timbers Captain Diego Chará v Vancouver Whitecaps by Diego G Diaz.

Jonathan Rodriguez took a shot in the 23rd minute that missed its mark. Captain Diego Chará received a yellow card during Vancouver’s next possession for a tackle from behind. Chará was waving his finger at head referee Rubiel Vazquez before the card could be pulled, disputing the caution.

Gauld sent a long ball across to the far right side of the goal. It was collected by Mathias Laborda along the right side who made easy work of Bravo and drew Jame’s attention before sending a cross to Brian White. White was left unmarked on the left and easily made it 2-0 Vancouver.

Vancouver was moving like a team with a point to make and was efficient in getting that point across. By the 31st minute they had made it 3-0 with a pop over shot by Ryan Gauld from the right side. Pantemis jumped but couldn’t get enough on it to make the save.

Evander had a chance to pull one back in the 40th minute with a long shot that was saved by Takaoka in a punch over the top of the box. David Ayala, who put in a solid performance for the Timbers throughout the match, had two near misses off of set pieces in the final minutes of the half.

Phil Neville made 3 substitutions at the half bringing on Eryk Willamson, Santiago Moreno, and Kamal Miller for Chará, Bravo, and Zuparic. Evander tried to get the Timbers on the board with a rocket from 25 yards out that was a tough save for Takaoka. Santi had a shot in the 51st that went over and to the right.

Vancouver added to their lead after Picault sent a cross into Stuart Armstrong at the center of the goal. Amrmston’s header was perfectly timed, right on target, and completely unchallenged by the Portland defense.

Takaoka was given a yellow card in the 54th minute for time wasting. Vancouver was already into time waiting and delay tactics and it was only 10 minutes into the second half. Gauld wasn’t holding back and in the 59th minute earned a hat trick with a sliding goal right into the center of the box.

MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Portland Timbers by Diego G Diaz.

Timbers fans were seen leaving in a steady stream around the 60th minute, a heartbreaking sight previously unseen in Providence Park.

Vancouver made a big substitution in the 63rd, bringing off their goal scorers for fresh legs. Neville brought on Eric Miller for Antony at the same time.

Evander made it into Rubiel Vazquez’s book for pushing Sam Adekugbe down after getting boxed out. Evander had been attracting multiple defenders with each possession, often getting boxed out or stripped without much support.

By the 75th minute there were large sections of the stadium seats were empty. Energy on the pitch was down and there was no fight left in Portland. Rodgirguz was subbed out in the 82nd for Finn Surman, an unfortunate home debut for the young defender.

Kamal Miller slipped in the 84th minute that led to some taunting and ball throwing between Miller and Raposo, earning them both a yellow card. Vancouver had a header off a free kick that missed in the 87th minute marking the last real play of the match. No extra time was added.