Tag:

Cascadia Cup

Portland Timbers

Full 2022 MLS schedule released

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers will begin the 2022 season hosting last year’s Supporters’ Shield-winning New England Revolution on Feb. 26th at 4:30 p.m.

Portland’s first away match will be at Banc of California Stadium to play LAFC on March 6th at 7 p.m. A visit to Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Decision Day (October 9th at 2 p.m.) will finish off the regular season.

Click here to view the full schedule.

The four Cascadia Cup matchdays are:

  • April 9th (7 p.m.) at Vancouver
  • July 9th (1:30 p.m.) at Seattle
  • July 16th (7:30 p.m.) hosting Vancouver
  • August 26th (7 p.m.) hosting Seattle

The Timbers will play eight matches against Eastern Conference opponents (Nashville is in the West this season). Each Western Conference opponent will be played twice: once home, once away.

Portland have no more than two home or away matches in a row.

Other notable matchups include a late-season trip to Columbus on Sep. 18th at 10 a.m. and a home date with LAFC on October 2nd at noon.

The MLS All-Star game will be on Aug. 10th and MLS Cup on Nov. 5th.

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Marc dos Santos Relieved of Managerial Duties
Vancouver Whitecaps

Marc dos Santos, Whitecaps Finally Part Ways

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

The inevitable happened. After two and a half seasons, the Whitecaps have parted ways with head coach Marc dos Santos. The news sent shockwaves throughout MLS on Friday afternoon. The report is coming after the disappointing loss against Pacific FC in the Canadian Championship. 

Sporting director Axel Schuster believes the move could be the jolt the club needs as it battles for a playoff position.

“I’m convinced it could be at exactly the right moment, that it’s the wake-up call to go back and also focus on the small things that we’re not doing well,” Schuster told reporters on a video call Friday.

In two and a half seasons, coach Marc dos Santos finishes with an MLS regular-season record of 22-37-18. In MLS play, Whitecaps FC scored 87 goals and allowed 133 goals. It was never a matter of if Dos Santos was going to get sacked. It was more of a decision as to whether this would occur during the 2021 season or would Dos Santos have the rest of the season. Many expected that the FO would not renew Dos Santos’ contract at the end of the season. 

The last nail in the Marc dos Santos coffin was embarrassingly getting run off the pitch and losing the Ferryside Derby 4-3 to CPL side Pacific FC. But, unfortunately, that is all Axel Schuster and other members of the Whitecaps higher up needed to see. 

“I went home yesterday after the game. At 1:00 am, ordered Uber Eats burgers and stayed up until four in the morning,” Schuster explained. “I went to bed with an idea of what to do, and if tomorrow morning I get up and I still have the same idea, I will contact a few people and get their ideas and thoughts. I spoke to Marc as he arrived here at the facility. We wanted to handle it as fair as possible, and they respected that.”

What’s Next?

“We decided this morning that this project needs another push, that this project needs some new life.”

Whitecap’s Director of Methodology and U-23 coach, Vanni Sartini, will lead the team as acting head coach. Assistant coach Ricardo Clark and goalkeeper coach Youssef Dahha will remain in their posts. 

Sartini originally joined the club as a first-team assistant coach before starting the 2019 MLS season, before transitioning to Director of Methodology this last September. Sartini was head coach of A.S. Mezzana for three seasons, an assistant coach with A.S. Livorno Calcio – whom he helped earn promotion to Serie A – and an assistant coach with S.S.C. Bari. 

Looking Forward

Sartini at the helm leaves the Whitecaps in an exciting position with 14 games left in their MLS schedule. Eliminated from the Canadian Championship now, all they can do is focus on the remaining games. They’re well within reach for a playoff spot—especially given how things have shaped up in the Western Conference.

Three points off of the 7th and final playoff spot, with a game in hand over 7th-place San Jose, the Whitecaps have the opportunity to make the playoffs. But it’s going to need a spectacular end of the season to do so. That includes a solid roster, along with the new DP #10, Ryan Gauld, who already has three goals and two assists in just one start. This team has the talent to go on a huge run, with Gauld as the centerpiece.

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Cascadia Clash Ends in a Surprise Draw

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

It may have only been a draw, but taking a point from the league leaders? This must feel like a major win for the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

The Whitecaps took on league leaders and Cascadia rivals, the Seattle Sounders. Heading into the match the Sounders were undefeated and the Whitecaps were on a 5 match losing streak. All the odds were stacked up against the Whitecaps. 

Against the Sounders, a team that they haven’t beaten since 2017, it felt like anything but a loss would be seen as positive for a team that was quickly fading after a bright start. 

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

Seattle Sounders: 5-3-2

Match Details

Scoring Summary

40′ – SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (assisted by Brad Smith)

49′ – VAN – Cristian Dájome (assisted by Caio Alexandre)

56′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (assisted by Cristian Dájome)

71′ – SEA – Jimmy Medranda (assisted by Fredy Montero)

Statistics

Possession: SEA 61.6 – VAN 38.4

Shots: SEA 19 – VAN 11

Shots on Goal: SEA 5 – VAN 4

Saves: SEA 2 – VAN 3

Fouls: SEA 9 – VAN 13

Offsides: SEA 0 – VAN 2

Corners: SEA 2 – VAN 1

Cautions

22′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (yellow)

45’+4 – VAN – Caio Alexandre (yellow)

89′ – VAN – Maxime Crépeau (yellow)

 

Match Report

“There’s two things that we addressed the last two days,” “It’s the why of coming out and sometimes lacking little things to dictate the game, and we also spoke about making big plays at the end of games.”

Image via Vancouver Whitecaps Twitter

It was that execution and determination that were most important for the Whitecaps. While it may not have been pretty, they fought hard and climbed their way back for the draw. This is not something that can be said for most of this 2021 season. 

Cristian Dájome and Lucas Cavallini scored the goals for the Whitecaps they finally snapped a five-match losing streak. The first 45 minutes saw Vancouver and Seattle evenly matched. The Whitecaps came at the league leaders hard from the get go and did not make it easy. Again, something we really haven’t really seen much of this season.

Despite a strong showing to start the half, the Sounders opened up the scoring thanks to Golden Boot candidate, Raul Ruidiaz. The Peruvian nets it home to make 0-1 for the league leaders. 

The goal resulted from a poor giveaway in the midfield and some questionable positioning by goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

The Whitecaps came out just as strong and surprisingly found a bit of life in the second half. Despite being down, away from “home”, AND against the team at the top of the league standings, they fought their way back into the game.

Vancouver found their opening goal in the 46th minute after a beautiful through ball from Alexandre to Dájome. After making an incredible run behind the defense, Dájome slips the ball around the keeper for an easy shot right on goal. This goal could not have come at a better time just as momentum was building.

Thanks to the momentum picked up after that first goal, the Whitecaps then picked up the lead in the 56th minute.  Dájome continued his strong 2nd half. After a wonderful ball out wide from Andy Rose, Dajome looked up and whipped in a cross into the box. The cross came and bounced off of striker Lucas Cavallini and in. Truthfully the striker needed a little extra luck as he had to stick out a limb and just hope that the ball would roll in.

There it was, the Whitecaps were leading the league leaders 2-1 on their home turf! They had the chance to get their first win in 8 matches. Against their Cascadia rivals of all teams. No one would have expected that going into this match. Not even Whitecaps fans! 

Seattle had other plans…

Immediately after the Whitecaps’ second goal, the Sounders turned it on and then came the onslaught. Crépeau stayed busy in the second half with the Whitecaps holding onto dear life.  With three saves, the Canadian international was able to keep the Sounders off the board. 

It felt like a Sounders goal was inevitable and in the 71st minute, that proved to be the case. Jimmy Medranda found some space at the edge of the box with the ball being placed perfectly for him. After failing to close it down, he was able to settle and slam the ball home through a crowd of bodies to tie up the game for the Sounders.

It felt like a Sounders goal was inevitable and in the 71st minute, that proved to be the case. Jimmy Medranda found some space at the edge of the box with the ball being placed perfectly for him. After failing to close it down, he was able to settle and slam the ball home through a crowd of bodies to tie up the game for the Sounders. 

It was a gut wrenching goal as the Whitecaps dream of taking down the league leaders came crashing down. They sat back inviting pressure, so the goal was almost inevitable, but it still hurt. It is also hard to keep the Sounders down but everyone knows their quality. You never let them grow into the game. 

Surprisingly enough, the Whitecaps managed to hold off a late storm, keeping the match even at two a piece. Even more impressively, they almost scored a late winner! Cristian Gutierrez found Brian White with less than a minute to go, but the new striker’s header fell comfortably into Cleveland’s hands. 

Overall it was a solid showing from the boys. From a strong start, to being a goal down at the break, to coming back and taking points from the league leaders. Everything points to a solid performance. The Whitecaps were able to snap their 5-match losing streak. This will definitely be considered a positive performance all things considered. 

 

The Vancouver Whitecaps are back in action Sunday July 4th, when they visit FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Catch the game live on TSN 1/3 and ESPN+  starting at 5:30 p.m. PT.

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Seattle SoundersVancouver Whitecaps

Fredy Heads Back Home: What this means for Whitecaps and Sounders

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

Here we go!! Freddy Montero is officially signing for his former team, the Seattle Sounders. He will be signing a one year contract with options for 2022 and 2023. He will be joining in on preseason training after the mandatory quarantine and testing protocols. There had been rumors circulating his move to Seattle once contract talks stalled for the Whitecaps late last year. 

Everything about the move just makes sense for him. The Sounders were the first team in MLS to give him a platform to build on, scoring 60 goals in his time there. He has his coffee business, which to be fair it’s pretty damn good. Then lastly, his family. They love it in Seattle and can frequently be found residing there during the offseason. 

This tweet just says it all…

Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzler on Fredy coming back, 

I have a lot of fond memories of Fredy Montero in a Sounders jersey, and I’m pleased to welcome him back to the club,

He has always been a dynamic attacker with a strong finishing touch. I’m always happy to have players that can score goals and am looking forward to getting him on the training pitch as our 2021 preparations ramp up.

Montero spent the last 3 seasons in Vancouver tallying 24 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. While his second stint at the club did not go as well as the first, his contribution to the team will not be forgotten. He was arguably the most creative player this last season and helped get that spark back in the team.

What does this mean for the Whitecaps?

In case you guys can’t tell by my writing, I am a HUGE fan of Fredy Montero, so this move away from the Whitecaps does sting a little bit. It just means I can’t write about him anymore… But beyond that, depending on who is making their way to Vancouver, this could be detrimental to the team.  

While the numbers don’t speak for themselves, Fredy did a lot for the Whitecaps, especially in this last season. In the absence of a #10, he would be the creative outlet up top to help create space for Cavallini to get a shot on net. He would also drop in deeper to start the run of play. Whenever he was on the pitch, the team just played that much better. 

Like I said above, this all depends on how the Whitecaps spend and where they spend it. They have made some good signings thus far and some solid rumors have come through, but nothing is concrete. If they they don’t find a #10 to replace what Fredy brought, then it will be another disappointing season for the Whitecaps.

How about for the Sounders? 

This move could mean a lot for the Sounders. Montero is going to Seattle on a free transfer; because of this, there is still plenty of cap room for other marquee signings. It is a very low transfer and they are bringing in a player with some excellent experience. He is also a club legend and it is always fun seeing players come back to former clubs. He will be fighting for a place as the second striker behind Ruidiaz. 

Fredy Montero is still a goal scoring threat. He can easily create something out of nothing. With the Sounders he will not have to worry about that though. They are one of the most creative teams in the league in front of goal. This still doesn’t answer the question, what does Fredy coming home for the Sounders? It’s quite simple. 

Not only is he getting the chance to potentially retire with the club that started it all, but he is bringing that much needed experience in the team. He is also bringing some excellent depth into a title chasing team. Fredy is a natural leader and combine that with everything else, there is no reason but to expect him to make an immediate impact. 

The Sounders have blessed us with a little goal compilation via twitter so have at it!

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Transfer Talk: Caicedo Making His Way to Vancouver! Potentially More on the Way?!

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez


Image via Twitter

Image via Twitter

After this crazy year, I hope you all had an excellent new year and holiday season! All we can do now is look up and hope for a great 2021. Now onto some transfer news for the Whitecaps. 

Axel Schuster gave us some promise at the end of season. He reassured us that we would be filling out that final DP spot, bringing the new 3 Young DP’s, and getting use out of the remaining TAM/GAM we had left. He also gave us a little more insight the other day via J.J. Adams of The Province.

“We are good. We have a list of 10 guys,” he said. “In the list of 10, we have three guys we would put in position 1A, B, C. It doesn’t matter. They are very different, but all exactly fit with our needs. One is more experienced, one is playing in a very big club with huge experience, and one is younger, but has incredible skills and helped …  an average or below average team to become second in the league.”

Two of the players were South American — “one from a big country, one from a small one,” Schuster said with a grin — while the other played in a top European league.

I fully expect there to be some big announcements coming in the next few weeks. It is very exciting to hear that all the signings are expected to be done before preseason! We will just have to wait and see…

One of the transfers that is all but confirmed by the club is the signing of Deiber Caicedo, the young Colombian winger out of Deportivo Cali in the Colombian first division. The Whitecaps have agreed to acquire his discovery rights from Nashville SC, contingent on finalizing the transfer. The fee is expected to be in the range of around $2.5 million. There is also rumored to be a sell on clause of about 20%.

Caicedo, 20, can play on either wing, though he has spent more of his time on the right with Cali and the U20 national team. He has seven goals and 16 assists in 67 professional appearances after graduating into the club’s first team. Which if you think about it, those are some incredible numbers for an academy kid. Something that is fun to note, he has a 68 rated card on FIFA Ultimate Team!

The club is expected to make an official announcement in the coming days regarding the transfer. He will be joining fellow Colombian countrymen, Dajmoe and Fedy Montero.

Stay tuned for some more transfer news coming soon! There will be another piece regarding some rumors for our vacant #10 position, so be sure to check that out!

Twitter: @Michael_James32

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Uncategorized

Third Time is Not The Charm… Whitecaps Fall to Sounders 2-0

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda


Image via MLS

Image via MLS

It was a short rest for the Whitecaps as they faced  Western Conference leaders, the Seattle Sounders last night. This match came after just 3 days of rest from their previous win against San Jose Earthquakes. The Whitecaps made wholesale changes to their lineup after Saturday, fielding a club MLS record seven Canadians in their starting XI. Let’s get into the rest of the match!

Lineups:

Vancouver Whitecaps: 3-4-3

Plenty of notes for the starting XI today!:

  • Second match in 4 days

  • An MLS record 7 Canadians in the starting XI

  • Formation Change to a defensive 3-4-3 (more like a 5-4-1)

  • Only 3 players from Saturday’s win in starting XI. Bush, Bikel, and Vanko

  • Club set record for most appearances played by Canadians in a single season (137)

Seattle Sounders: 4-2-3-1

Match Stats

VWFC Man of the Match: Derek Cornelius

Referee: Fotis Bazakos

Scoring Summary

54′ – SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (assisted by Nouhou Tolo)

60′ – SEA – Nicolás Lodeiro (assisted by Raúl Ruidíaz)

Statistics

Possession: VAN 31.9% – SEA 68.1%

Shots: VAN 4 – SEA 11

Shots on Goal: VAN 0 – SEA 4

Saves: VAN 2 – SEA 0

Fouls: VAN 12 – SEA 6

Offsides: VAN 0 – SEA 3

Corners: VAN 4 – SEA 3

Cautions

62′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (yellow)

84′ – VAN – Cristian Dájome (yellow)

90′ – VAN – Derek Cornelius (yellow)

Match Review

A pair of second half goals sealed the deal as a tired out Whitecaps lose to the Seattle Sounders 2-0. DP striker Ruidiaz’s heroics for the Sounders take them back to the top of the West. To be 100% honest, the result was expected. The Sounders are arguably the best team in  the league. Even with us being on a good run of form, this was always going to be a tough match. With the loss, the Whitecaps were unable to climb up the table, staying put at seventh place and above the barely playoff line with two matches remaining. One against Portland and the other against LA Galaxy.


Image via Sounders FC twitter

Image via Sounders FC twitter

The first half started off fairly evenly as both teams almost seemed to want to play for a draw. The Whitecaps stayed defensively sound all half and did not let the Sounders through. Vanko and Cornellius shut everything down on that right hand side. There were a few times where Andy Rose was exposed by potential league MVP, Jordan Morris, on the left. On the other side of the ball, the Sounders seemed to be testing us to see how we would press and how we would react without the ball. Mostly playing out of the back and keeping possession. Ultimately, both sides stayed complacent as the half ended 0-0. 

The second half was a different story. After the break, the Sounders came out ready for a result. They  pressed the Whitecaps until they found the net not even 10 minutes into the half. 

Although initially ruled offside by the assistant referee, the Sounders struck in the 54th minute as Nouhou spun a deep cross into the box that Ruidíaz smashed into the back of the net. After some VAR review, the center referee ruled it onside making 1-0 for the Sounders. Seattle was able to put up one final goal as Yeimar sent a long ball down the middle of the pitch to find Ruidíaz in the box, where the Peruvian cut back a pass to the middle of the box where none other than Nicolás Lodeiro finished into the net in the 60th minute. 

The Whitecaps could not get anything going for them offensively after that. The Sounders bunkered down and did not allow anything to come through. This was even after MDS brought in our star front 3 of Dajome, Fredy, and Cava all at once. None of the subs had much impact on the match as the final score was 2-0 in favor of the visiting Sounders. 

Post Match Thoughts

The first half was probably the best defensive half of football I have seen the Whitecaps play in a while. Especially considering their opponent and their front 4. Things just seemed to be clicking tactically. On paper it started out with a typical 3-4-3, but then in transitions back, it would seemingly turn into a 5-4-1. I know it’s not the prettiest way to play, but hey, it worked for a half. 

Derek Cornellius and Vanko played their hearts out and left it all on the pitch. I have been sceptical on Vanko most of the season, but since we’ve signed him permanently, he’s easily been one of the better defenders. Both players are super young, so I know they can only get better. I still think Godoy and Vanko are our best CB pairing going forward, but in the eventuality that we lose Godoy, DC can easily slot right in. 

Second half was another story… The team looked like it had lost a bit of their shape. They tried to press too much and got caught in the counter press that the Sounders are so good at. It makes sense why we came out like that at the start. We initially were playing for the draw, but there were opportunities to go for the goal. The battle was lost in the midfield. That was evident in the stat line and heat map below.


This is the heat map for the Whitecaps

This is the heat map for the Whitecaps


This is for the Sounders

This is for the Sounders



whoscoredratings2.png

While I love Baldisimo, he is not a defensive midfielder. Maybe he would have been better suited for the wingback role, switching with Bikel.

The kids did alright. This was a learning match for most of them and I couldn’t be more happy with the result. 

Baldisimo balled out today. While DC was MOTM for the Whitecaps, I thought Baldi deserved a shout as well. He kept possession so well and picked passes like it was nothing. He looked like he belonged on that pitch. He has been fighting for a starting spot, and I feel that he is so close to getting it. MDS should look into finding a way to get him into the team. He deserves it. 

He even got a new fan! Kristian Jack of TSN had nothing but praise for the young Canadian. We’ve all been fans of the kid all season, but it’s still good to see him finally get some more recognition. 

The Whitecaps will be staying in Portland for their final two games of the regular season. Although this time around, they will be serving as the away side in another Cascadia clash with the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Catch the match live on Sunday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. PT on TSN and ESPN+

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Portland Timbers

Timbers concede late again, draw Seattle 1-1

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers conceded a 93rd minute equalizer to the Seattle Sounders, dropping stoppage time points for the second straight match. Portland’s Andres Flores scored his first goal in over a year in the 10th minute before Will Bruin did the same deep into stoppage time.

Lineups

Ruidiaz remained out after a positive COVID test last week, but it was still a strong lineup from the home team.

Ebobisse is out of the squad after

Match Recap

Flores had a poor pass to start the match and Seattle were on the front foot.

Portland settled into the match about five minutes in, getting some possession strung together and threatening a cross or two.

Portland’s efforts were rewarded in the 11th minute as Villafana’s cross found Mora in the box. Mora took up two defenders, which freed up space for a Yimmi Chará strike at goal. It was saved right to Flores, who pounded the ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

As we were frequently reminded, Portland leads the league in points conceded after scoring the first goal.

The Timbers picked up right where they left off after the goal, playing careful with possession and nearly capitalizing with a fantastic combo on the left side between Jorge, Yimmi, and Valeri—the latter scuffing the crowded attempt wide.

Seattle had a few quick flights forward, but Portland’s defense quelled each chance before they could develop. Overall, though, Portland were owning the midfield battle.

Referee Ismail Elfath backed into a closing Jordy Delem in the 25th minute, who got the wind knocked out of him and spent significant time down on the pitch. Delem had to be substituted for Alex Roldan, making it two sets of brothers on the pitch.

The match eased into a sense of bitterness on both sides—notably Seattle, who were already feeling shorted by Elfath’s inadvertent injuring of Delem and were reeling from small, careless fouls by the Timbers.

Neither team found a groove for the remainder of the first half.

Williamson earned a free kick on the edge of the 18 by flicking the ball up to Joao Paulo’s hand in the 47th minute, but Valeri’s free kick was straight into the wall.

There were shouts for a Portland penalty in the 54th minute as Valeri went down in front of Joao Paulo, but it was Seattle with the chance on the other end, needing a Farfan clearance at the back post off a dangerous cross from the left.

Clearing the ball became a big concern for the Timbers, but luckily Nouhou was taking the final shot in the 57th minute.

Diego Chará went down holding his head in the 59th minute after knocking heads with Leerdam. He got checked out and returned to action after a minute.

In the 64’, Farfan conceded the softest of free kicks on the right side before Lodeiro’s free kick smacked the one-man wall of Flores right in the face. He spent a considerable amount of time getting checked on before returning to play.

Leerdam got Seattle’s best chance of the match so far, but his header from inside the six was over the bar.

The Timbers were forcing every pass into the final third, but nothing was connecting and the Sounders were playing through Portland’s mid after breaking the light press. Flores came off for Bonilla in the 73rd minute in what seemed like a defensive sub, but Bonilla’s first contribution was a corner-winning combination.

A failed control by DC21 at half-field saw Morris and Lodiero racing Farfan and Bonilla, but Morris’ angle was cut off and Lodeiro’s shot drifted over the bar.

Seattle really started putting pressure on the Timbers, who did what they do best defensively—shrinking the space and trying to counter.

Niezgoda replaced Mora in the 83’, just before Shane O’Neill sent a wide open header wide of the far post.

The match morphed from “Seattle having most of the ball and attacking with it” to “Seattle having all of the ball and attacking ferociously.”

Williamson nearly dribbled through Seattle’s entire team, but Nouhou was there to clean up the mess when he got to the 18.

Portland were taking full advantage of their drawn fouls, and the seven minutes of stoppage time reflected that and the injuries.

Seattle’s eighth corner of the night was flicked on and put home by Will Bruin at the back post in the 93rd minute. It’s his first goal in over a year.

Seattle crossed the ball thousands of times in the final few minutes, but Portland managed to uphold the draw without clearing the ball.

As the final whistle blew, Portland once again left the field with a point that felt like a loss.

[cover via @SomosTimbers]

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Portland TimbersSeattle Sounders

Expectations, predictions for Timbers-Sounders IV

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

Thursday night’s 7:30pm meeting between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field will be their fourth of the season, but it certainly won’t be of lesser importance. The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.


[Image via @TimbersFC ]

[Image via @TimbersFC]

Portland owns the season series thus far, snatching two consecutive victories over Seattle after falling 3-0 at home in the first meeting.

Injury Report

Seattle

  • OUT: Joevin Jones (M) – right high ankle sprain

  • OUT: Brad Smith (D) – right hamstring strain

  • OUT: Trey Muse (GK) – concussion

  • OUT: Raul Ruidiaz (F) – COVID

Portland

  • OUT: Dairon Asprilla (M) – left knee injury

  • OUT: Blake Bodily (M) – right thigh injury

  • OUT: Sebastian Blanco (M) – right ACL injury

  • OUT: Julio Cascante (D) – left ankle injury

  • QUESTIONABLE: Jeremy Ebobisse (F) – concussion

  • QUESTIONABLE: Marvin Loría (M) – abdomen injury

Both sides could be missing key pieces of their attacking forces for tonight’s game: Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz tested positive for COVID-19 last week, while Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse was on the receiving end of a hard collision that raised questions of a concussion. Ebobisse could disrupt his club-record streak of 73 appearances, which is solely his after starting against LAFC last Sunday.

Odds and Prediction

Result Odds Prediction
SSFC -125
PTFC +300 X
Draw +295

[Odds from Bovada]

The Sounders are the heavy home favorites, but there’s little reason to see this as a toss-up in my eyes. Maybe I’ve got my No Pity scarf tied too tight, but Seattle are missing their leading goalscorer and couldn’t put one goal past San Jose in their last match, an opponent both these teams have laid six-plus goals on this year.

Portland could miss Ebobisse, but we’re still not that far from talking about this team riding a six-match winning streak, 16-year-old Christian Torres’ goal notwithstanding.

As the resident Timbers writer, I’m morally obligated to say Portland will win, but I think taking points (as they have every match in Seattle since Darlington Nagbe, Liam Ridgewell, David Guzman, and others were still in the XI) is a reasonable goal.

Official prediction: 2-0 Timbers

Follow @doublepostpod on Twitter for live coverage and postgame quotes.

And, as always, Go Timbers!

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Lose Back-to-Back Cascadia Matches

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez


Image via Whitecaps FC Twitter

Image via Whitecaps FC Twitter

This was another tough one to take in as the Whitecaps lose 3-1 in Seattle. This is the second time this season that the Sounders have put 3 past the Whitecaps. It was a tough game for the Whitecaps, who started out strong, nearly snatching an early lead, before ultimately falling apart early in the second half, as the Sounders scored their 3 goals in 15 minutes to close out the match.

Lineups:

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-4-2

The Whitecaps made only two changes to the starting 11 after the loss to Portland last week.

  • Derek Cornelius for Cristian Gutierrez

  • David Milinkovic for Owusu

Besides the player changes, there were a couple of players moving positions as well.

  • Andy Rose back to Center Midfield

  • Ali Adnan back to Left Back
    Seattle Sounders: 4-2-3-1


Match Stats:

VWFC Man of the Match: Fredy Montero

Referee: Timothy Ford

Scoring Summary
46′ – SEA – João Paulo
53′ – SEA – Érik Godoy (own goal)
58′ – SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (assisted Jordan Morris)
65′ – VAN – Fredy Montero (penalty kick)

Statistics
Possession: SEA 69.6% – VAN 30.4%
Shots: SEA 22 – VAN 3
Shots on Goal: SEA 9 – VAN 2
Saves: SEA 1 – VAN 7
Fouls: SEA 10 – VAN 17
Offsides: SEA 0 – VAN 1
Corners: SEA 7 – VAN 0

Cautions
26′ – VAN – Janio Bikel (Yellow)
49′ – SEA – João Paulo (Yellow)
52′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (Yellow, misses next match)
65′ – SEA – Yeimar Gómez (Yellow)
68′ – VAN – Janio Bikel (Red)

MATCH REVIEW

This tends to be the story of the season. Another loss, another disappointing performance. The first half started out fairly solid to the Whitecaps standards. Just so as long as you ignore the stat line. Which do not favor the Whitecaps at all, but I digress. 

The Sounders would come out strong, nearly scoring inside the first minute. Which gave the Whitecaps a big scare. Especially considering they conceded goals in early minutes the last two matches. Anyways, after a nice Ruidiaz flick off of a nice Kelvin Leerdam cross, Lodeiro lined up for a shot just outside of the box, but his curled shot hit just outside the goal post. 

At the other end just minutes after, the Whitecaps would nearly break the deadlock with a surprise opener, as Ali Adnan sent in a pin point cross right into the box, finding Lucas Cavallini at the edge of the 6. The striker sent his shot right at Frei to give the Sounders some breathing room. 

After these semi exciting opening moments, the rest of the first half was a bit of a dull one. A few chances here and there for both teams, but it ultimately ended at 0-0 heading into the break. The Whitecaps stayed defensively sound for most of the half denying any chances that the Sounders brought into their final third. I was pretty impressed myself, considering the debacle that was the 6-0 bashing from LAFC just two matches ago. 

Unfortunately, the Sounders were gearing up and getting ready to lay it on for the second half. Thus, crushing the Whitecaps’ dreams of taking home a point in Seattle. The Sounders opened up the scoresheet just minutes after the second half whistle with a wonderful strike at the top of the box from Joao Paulo. Caps’ defense was too slow to react as Joao had all the time in the world to set that up. 

Not soon after, the boys conceded an own goal from CB Erik Godoy after a shot from Roldan. The shot itself was nothing special by any means, but knowing that Merideth got a hand on just for it to SLOWLY trickle in after rolling off of Godoy’s leg. 

Sounders would continue to rain down on the Whitecaps as a completely unmarked Ruidiaz scored a header after a flick from Jordan Morris. Making it 3-0 after 59 minutes. This goal sums up the Whitecaps struggles defensively. It’s the little things like marking that tend to just get away from them. 

Things start to get interesting for the Whitecaps. Throughout the second half, there were times where the Whitecaps looked dangerous and made some great passing sequences. Then came the 62nd minute when Cavallini got fouled by Yeimar  inside the box resulting in a red card for the Sounders defender. The ref had to take some time to look at VAR considering the foul and the fact that it was ruled a penalty. The red card was rescinded and changed to a yellow. But thing is, and this is coming from a Whitecaps writer, it was NOT a penalty. Nor was it even a foul. Don’t get me wrong, I love Cava, but the man did not get touched. 

This is a perfect example of how inept MLS referees are. The picture was right there in front of him. Yes Cava was through on goal, and yes Yeimar did come to defend, but there was not enough contact to warrant a penalty or a card. Despite the controversial call, the man Fredy Montero buried it from the spot making it 3-1.  With the penalty, this will make it 3 goals and 3 assists in 6 matches. He is a man on fire. Carrying this Whitecaps team over the line. 

POST MATCH THOUGHTS

It seems as though I say the same things regarding the team and what they need to do to improve. And until things do change, then I will continue to preach it. The lack of possession is what needs to be addressed now. I know that the Sounders are always a team that keeps possession well, but this match was just something else. 30% is all the Whitecaps had the whole match. The whole match, it wasn’t even a contest. I have said it before, and even MDS has said it, but there is a strong need for a #10 or some sort of creativity in this team. There is almost no identity. 

 The team started out really well in the opening 30 minutes. It’s just staying consistent that’s the problem. Minus the opening chance from Cava, there just was not much else going for the team. It almost feels like he’s lost the team as he isn’t seemingly able to sort out the defensive mistakes. MDS said it himself earlier today in a presser, 

“We defend too low, we’re not able to press the way I want us to press, as well”

That says it all right there. He just can’y get them to play how he wants. This is now the third loss in a row and I just hope we can get out of this rut. 

On a positive note, there is plenty of quality in the side. It’s just about using them correctly. The Whitecaps are only 3 points away from a playoff spot. All it takes is one win to get the momentum back and running. They play San Jose Earthquakes next, and this is the perfect time to start that run. They just have to want it more. 

The Whitecaps look to bounce back without Cava and Bikel when they visit San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PST live on TSN and ESPN+

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