(9) Portland Timbers (12, 11, 10, 46 points) vs (8) (13,12,8, 47 points)
October 23, 2024 KO 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timber Briefly
“Hail to the kings of Cascadia, the Portland Timbers! They came from behind and earned a well-deserved draw, securing their first shield for Phil Neville in his career.
Due to a last-minute venue change, the Portland Timbers will host the Wild Card game against their Cascadia archrivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Despite recent struggles in scoring goals, the Timbers are confident and determined to advance in the postseason by winning their home match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Despite this, the team has established a fighting culture and is eager to progress in what appears to be manager Phil Neville’s second trip to the postseason. They are looking forward to making a significant impact in the 2024 postseason.
Phil Neville needs to make a good impression on his employer, Merritt Paulson, in order to continue working at Portland Timbers. In his second year at the club, Neville led the team to their first postseason appearance.
Please remember the following text: “However, who will the Timbers play if they win on Thursday night against the Caps and move on to the postseason? They may face a possible matchup against the LAFC. “Both teams are not considered easy opponents by the Rose City side.”
As the team has multiple offensive weapons in Rodriguez, Evander, Moreno, and Mora, they still need to exhibit a strong defensive game to support Pamtemis, the starting keeper, and provide him with an easy evening under the arches.
Per MLS reporter Matthew Doyle, he sees the Timbers as a team with some possibilities, but very low chances of advancing in the postseason. He suggests they should enjoy their brief time in the playoffs.
This team is resilient and deserves to advance in the playoffs after a slow start. Manager Neville turned things around for the Portland Timbers.
Vancouver Whitecaps Briefly
Vannie Sartini and his Whitecaps suddenly hit rock bottom,winless in six matches, slipping from third place to eighth place to play in the Wild Card game.
When these two teams last played at Providence Park, the Portland Timbers lost to their Cascadia rivals making the Cup standings slightly interesting.
Still, the Vancouver Whitecaps announced via LinkedIn that, due to a conflicting event at BC Place, they moved their game to Providence Park to be played on October 23 at 7:30 PM PST.
The Whitecaps are currently not playing good football, and their manager has been unable to find the right formula to turn the tide for the team. However, come the playoffs, this team may become a dark horse and poach a win over their archrivals, the Timbers.
On game day, neither the Caps nor the Timbers will be labeled as heavy favorites. However, a winner has to emerge. Despite the Rose City side playing at home and in front of its amazing fans, a surprise could emerge in this game.
Meetings
09/28/2024 Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 Portland Timbers
06/22/2024 Portland Timbers 2-0 Vancouver Whitecaps
03/30/2024 Vancouver Whitecaps 3-2 Portland Timbers
Forecast
No favorites here as both sides come pretty even but to know who could emerge as the victor
Portland Timbers
Vancouver Whitecaps