A rematch is in the works, Cascadia style, between the Whitecaps and the Timbers.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 – PORTLAND, OR: Timbers midfielder Santiago Moreno sends a through ball to Galaxy’s box during MLS Regular Season Los Angeles Galaxy at Portland Timbers by Diego G Diaz.

Portland Timbers (0,0,0, no points) vs Vancouver Whitecaps (0,0,0, no points)

Sunday, February 23, 2025 KO 1:00 PM PST/ 3:00 PM EST

Providence Park, Portland, Oregon

Portland Timbers Briefly

A new club and faces to watch in this upcoming 2025. A team ready to deliver results and looking forward to a one-of-a-kind season.

The team owner has opened his wallet to bring in much-needed reinforcements for the upcoming campaign planned by current manager Phil Neville, and they are looking forward to an amazing season!

The coach, now in his second season with the Portland Timbers, is improving as a manager and is looking forward to an eventful season filled with surprises.

We have some new faces on the team. Kevin Kelsy, a skilled forward who previously played for the Miners in the Ukrainian league, is joining the Timbers. Joao Ortiz will also be joining as a defensive midfielder. The Timbers hope Jimer Jory can create a strong one-two punch in the backfield alongside his teammate, Juan Mosquera.

Lastly, who can forget David Da Costa, the man from Portugal? He looks like a sure substitute for Evander. As soon as he gets into a rhythm and adaptation. My conclusion:  I expect many amazing things from this midfielder.

Ariel Lassiter’s experience with several MLS teams makes him an excellent candidate for a late-game substitute. His extensive background in Major League Soccer suggests that he can perform well in close matches, and I can envision him making a significant impact on the field.

If I give you a starting lineup maybe this can work out with James Pantemis as the goalie, followed by Jimer Jory on the left, Juan Mosquera on the right, Fin Surman and Dario Zuparic; defensive backfield Diego Chara and Joao Ortiz; in the front, we may see Diego Da Costa, Santiago Moreno, Felipe Mora and Jonathan Rodriguez in the overall attack.

Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers (seen here on September 28th, 2024) do battle again. Photo: Gerrit te Hennepe

Vancouver Whitecaps Briefly

The Jasper Sorensen era is set to begin in British Columbia. As this first-year coach takes the helm of the Vancouver Whitecaps, he looks forward to an eventful season and aims to make a significant impact in his debut.

With the Vanni Sartini era behind them, Sorensen is eager to build on a successful season in Rain City and bring more trophies to the halls of BC Place.

Key players like Ryan Gauld and Brian White return, but the team lacks a reliable backfield to support these two attackers. While Ryan Raposo and Fafa Picault had standout seasons—Raposo being the third leading scorer—the team is now faced with changes. Raposo has been traded to Inter Miami, and he has been without a contract after five seasons with Vancouver.

Despite this, the inclusion of defensive midfielder Andres Cubas provides some assurance for a stronger backline. The return of players like Veselonic, Cubas, Berhalter, Adekugbe, Laborda, Blackmon, Ahmed, White, Takaoka and Gauld up front suggests a solid team. However, the club must secure reinforcements to ensure its much-needed success.

The Caps brought Jayden Nelson the Canadian player from Norway’s top-flight FK Rosenburg as well as Emmanuel Sabbi a homegrown player from Toronto FC, this forward comes well recommended after a stint in French Ligue side Le Harve and in the Danish League.

Meetings

10/23/2024 Vancouver Whitecaps 5-0 Portland Timbers

09/28/2024 Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 Portland Timbers

06/22/2024 Portland Timbers 2-0 Vancouver Whitecaps

Forecast

It is a match with all the elements of a rematch after the Timber’s abrupt exit in the postseason