The 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs Round of 16 vs Vancouver Whitecaps
A Cascadia rivalry dating to the NASL, carried through the USL and into MLS.
The Portland Timbers–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, both based in the Cascadia region of United States and Canada. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, and later carried into successor leagues through the 1980s and the 2000s, including the A-League and USL First Division, with both cities reviving expansion teams. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer in 2011.
- Competition
- 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs – Western Conference Semifinals
- Venue
- Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
- Date
- October 19, 2019
- Result
- Portland Timbers 2–1 Real Salt Lake
- Regular Time Score
- 2-1
- Key Moment
- Portland's second-half comeback to win in regulation
Lore & Background
The two clubs are part of the Cascadia Cup, created in 2004 by supporters of the Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and the Seattle Sounders. Vancouver won the inaugural Cup, defeating Portland three times in 2004. The rivalry regained steam as Portland and Vancouver clashed in crucial, often physical matches during the late 2000s, with memorable playoff duels in 2007, 2009, and 2010. The two clubs played for the 100th time in 2017.
In Their Own Story
The rain had just begun to mist over Providence Park as the clock ticked into double overtime. The air was thick with the smell of wet grass and anticipation, a palpable tension that vibrated through every seat in the stadium. He looked at the goal, saw the goalkeeper shift slightly, and struck with precision, sending the ball past the keeper's dive to seal a victory that felt earned through sheer grit.
Reader's Guide
In the first decade of MLS play together, Portland and Vancouver have a friendlier rivalry than other Cascadia Cup match-ups. One reason could be geography (Portland is closer to Seattle than Vancouver) or Vancouver not attaining a similar level of sustained MLS success. However, individual matches have been intense, such as when Portland defeated Vancouver in a brutal two-game playoff series on their way to winning the 2015 MLS Cup. Many Whitecap players point to the Timbers as their biggest rival.
Did You Know?
- The original Vancouver Whitecaps were founded in December 1973 and began play in the NASL in 1974; Portland was granted an expansion team the next year.
- Portland won the first six games of the rivalry, but Vancouver won the next five and only lost three additional times during NASL play.
- In 1978, Vancouver was the top-ranked club in the league but was upset by the Timbers in the playoffs.
- The Whitecaps dominated the series during the mid-2000s, not losing to the Timbers in league play for over three years between May 2004 and July 2007.
- Portland and Vancouver met in the MLS playoffs for the first time in 2015, with Portland winning a two-game series on their way to the MLS Cup.
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