On Saturday afternoon the Whitecaps rolled into Portland for the last meeting of the year between the Cascadia rivals. Portland and Vancouver have been in a two horse race for the final western playoff spot for the last few weeks and Saturday’s game had massive consequences. The Whitecaps have had several games this season that, in the eyes of their fans, were season defining games. Unfortunately, the Whitecaps have stumbled and fallen at each hurdle. This weekend’s 3-0 road loss in Portland was just another example.
Just like last weekend’s loss in Dallas, the Whitecaps started the game on the front foot as they pressed the opposition into their own half. Vancouver had a handful of golden chances to take a lead over the Timbers and yet again their young strikers failed to capitalize. Portland got their chance in the 28th minute as a cross into the box found an unmarked Diego Valeri who volleyed home to give the home team the lead. In the second half matters got worse for the Whitecaps as Fanendo Adi beat David Ousted twice more as the Timbers romped to their second 3-0 victory over the Whitecaps in less than a month.
Not a good time to be a Whitecaps fan. Being defeated twice by one of your biggest rivals by a combined score of 6-0 in a matter of a few weeks has left supporters in an uproar. After the team failed to acquire a striker before the roster freeze last week fans have been on edge and this loss has only made matters worse. Vancouver fans are still coming to terms with the horrible realization that they could see their team suffer its 3rd straight second half season collapse. This latest loss wasn’t officially the final nail in the Whitecaps coffin but it certainly felt that way. Five games remain in in the regular season and if the Whitecap’s hope to make the post season they are going to have to step up. Three of their five home games are at home and nothing less than three victories will be a tough pill to swallow for head coach Carl Robinson.
The Whitecaps still have a good chance at making the post season but they are going to have to score some goals. I have been saying that for quite some time now.
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