Matchday | Timbers Face Whitecaps in Return to Audi MLS Cup Playoffs

Portland Timbers host Vancouver Whitecaps in first round

The Portland Timbers will host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday, October 16th. The match will be played at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, and is scheduled to start at 7:00pm PT.

The Timbers earned the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference after finishing the regular season with a record of 17-13-4. They advanced to the playoffs by defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 in the knockout round.

The Whitecaps finished the regular season with a record of 15-12-7 and earned the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. They advanced to the playoffs by defeating the Minnesota United FC 2-1 in the knockout round.

History between the two teams

The Timbers and Whitecaps have a long history, dating back to the early days of the MLS. The two teams have met 52 times in all competitions, with the Timbers holding a slight advantage with 22 wins to the Whitecaps' 18. The two teams have also played to 12 draws.

The most recent meeting between the two teams was on September 17th, 2022, when the Timbers defeated the Whitecaps 2-1 at BC Place Stadium.

What to expect from the match

The match is expected to be a close one, as both teams are evenly matched. The Timbers will be looking to use their home-field advantage to their advantage, while the Whitecaps will be looking to continue their good form on the road.

The Timbers will be without the services of defender Claudio Bravo, who is suspended for the match. However, they will have the services of midfielder Eryk Williamson, who is expected to make his return from injury.

The Whitecaps will be without the services of defender Jake Nerwinski, who is also suspended for the match. However, they will have the services of midfielder Ryan Gauld, who is expected to make his return from injury.

Prediction

The Timbers are the slight favorites to win the match, but the Whitecaps are capable of pulling off an upset. The match is expected to be a close one, and it could go either way.

Prediction: Timbers 2, Whitecaps 1