VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps find themselves in a familiar situation as they prepare for an important MLS wild-card game against the Portland Timbers.
Last week, the Whitecaps faced a setback when they were informed they could not host the wild-card match at B.C. Place due to scheduling conflicts, giving home-field advantage to the Timbers. The teams will compete for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference on Wednesday in Oregon.
The winner will advance to face top-seeded Los Angeles FC in a best-of-three series starting Sunday.
Defender Ranko Veselinovic noted that overcoming unexpected challenges isn’t new for the Whitecaps, who relocated during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed hope that the team could once again find solutions to succeed.
Vancouver enters the match winless in its last seven games and has lost four straight, including a 2-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake last Saturday. Coach Vanni Sartini emphasized that hard work is essential to regain the team’s earlier form.
Despite recent losses, Sartini has seen positives in the team’s performances and believes they can build on that. Captain Ryan Gauld also pointed out that adversity can bring the team closer together, as players strive to improve.
The Whitecaps will face the Timbers (12-11-11), who have also struggled recently, going winless in their last five matches. Portland features a strong offensive unit, led by Evander, who had 15 goals and 19 assists this season.
To secure a victory, Gauld stressed the importance of solid defense against Portland’s potent attack.
A win would guarantee Vancouver at least one home playoff game, something Sartini highlighted as a significant motivation for the team. The players cherish the experience of postseason soccer, especially in front of a large crowd.
Match Details:
Teams: Vancouver Whitecaps (13-13-8) vs. Portland Timbers (12-11-11)
Date: Wednesday
Location: Providence Park
This matchup marks the seventh postseason meeting between the two clubs, with their last playoff encounter in 2015. The Whitecaps had a better road record (7-6-4) compared to their home performance this season (6-7-4). The Timbers will host a postseason game for the first time since 2021.