The Vancouver Whitecaps stretched their unbeaten run and clawed back a late draw against the Portland Timbers in a heated Cascadia Cup showdown. The 1-1 scoreline at BC Place had a bit of everything: a spectacular strike from the visitors, a huge night for Yohei Takaoka, Brian White’s long-awaited return, and a dramatic equalizer that keeps Vancouver in the race for the regional crown. The trophy will now be settled next Saturday when they face the Seattle Sounders.
Takaoka stood tall, White stepped up
The opening half showed why Takaoka earned MLS All-Star honors. The Japanese keeper pulled off at least five major saves, keeping Portland’s attack at bay. Even with his heroics, he couldn’t deny Kamal Miller’s thunderous volley from distance, a strike that snapped Vancouver’s shutout streak at 326 minutes.
After the break, the Whitecaps threw bodies forward in search of a goal. Coach Sørensen made the right calls from the bench and the chances followed, though Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis turned in an outstanding display of his own. Just when it looked like the night would end in frustration, Berhalter swung in a corner to the far post, Laborda headed it back across, and Brian White lashed it home first-time. The stadium erupted, relief mixing with belief. Without their striker, Vancouver would have walked away empty-handed.
Cascadia Cup up for grabs
The draw keeps the Whitecaps in the hunt for a record eighth Cascadia Cup. A win or even a draw against Seattle would be enough to seal it. Confidence is high thanks to a seven-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, though the battle with Portland also reminded them how tough these derbies can be.
This is a defining stretch in their season. Beyond the local rivalry, the Whitecaps are on 56 points and remain among the West’s best. Playoff qualification is virtually done, but securing a top-four finish, and the home-field edge that comes with it, could make all the difference when the postseason begins.