Game 4: Portland Timbers v. Vancouver Whitecaps

2010 Match-Up Images Courtesy of Spacewalk Creative

The leaders of each conference within USSF Division II will compete in the first game of the 2010 Cascadia Cup when Vancouver Whitecaps travel south to visit Portland Timbers on Thursday night. Portland are holders of the Cascadia Cup but Vancouver famously knocked the Timbers out of the play-offs last season in one of the most exciting games in recent second division memory. This game, though early in the season, will be an important benchmark for two of the strongest sides in the second division.

One of the keys to the match will be how well the new Portland defense can handle Vancouver’s Marcus Haber. The 21-year old destroyed the Timbers in the play-offs last season by winning nearly ever header that came his way, including goals in both legs. Haber signed with West Bromich Albion in the offseason and is back in Vancouver on a two-month loan from the Baggies. So far this season, Futty Danso has been the king of headers from the Portland back line. If Futty can challenge Haber in the air, the Timbers might be able to neutralize the Whitecaps’ most explosive attacking option.

Portland will be in an offensive mindset after controlling so much of their recent match with Montréal but scoring just once and coming back west with a single point. Ryan Pore continues to be the focal point of the attack though Brian Farber is becoming increasingly vital opposite Pore on the right. The combination of the two wide midfielders and an increasingly competent front duo of OJ Obatola and George Josten could give the Whitecaps more trouble than they have faced to this point. Vancouver have played three games and have yet to allow a single goal so getting on the board will be important for the Timbers. Forcing the Whitecaps into a reactionary game plan instead of allowing their defense to dictate the pace of the game could prove to be the fulcrum on which this game will pivot.

A win against Vancouver is always welcome in Portland though apart from the Cascadia Cup, it matters slightly less this season. With the clubs in opposite conferences, each side will need to focus more on rivals within their respective conferences than without. For Portland that means Puerto Rico and for Vancouver that means Montréal. Still, provided the Trail Blazers basketball game does not pull away too many supporters, the first game of the 2010 Cascadia Cup should be a lively affair.

Category: Cascadia Cup, Portland Timbers, USSF Division II