VANCOUVER, BC – Let the comparisons begin.
Now that we know Portland Timbers will be Vancouver’s playoff opponent, let’s take a look at how the two teams stack up. Vancouver won the season series with a 1W-0L-2D record – and their lone win came as a result of a 90th-minute Robert Earnshaw winner.
That should tell you that these are two incredibly evenly-matched teams.
And the numbers back that up…
<img alt="" src="https://vancouver-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/1708.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<img alt="" src="https://vancouver-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Portland_Timbers_(MLS)_logo.png" style="width: 90px; height: 89px;"> |
|
<p>POINTS</p> |
<p align="center">53</p> |
<p align="center">53</p> |
<p>WINS</p> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<p align="center">15</p> |
<p>GOALS FOR</p> |
<strong>45</strong> |
<p align="center">41</p> |
<p>GOALS CONCEDED</p> |
<strong>36</strong> |
<p align="center">39</p> |
<p>CLEAN SHEETS</p> |
<p align="center">13</p> |
<p align="center">13</p> |
<p>SET PIECE GOALS FOR</p> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<p align="center">7</p> |
<p>SET PIECE GOALS AGAINST</p> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<p align="center">7</p> |
<p>GOALS FROM INSIDE BOX</p> |
<p align="center">35</p> |
<strong>38</strong> |
<p>GOALS FROM OUTSIDE BOX</p> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<p align="center">3</p> |
<p>HEADED GOALS</p> |
<p align="center">7</p> |
<p align="center">7</p> |
<p>SHOTS</p> |
<p align="center">351</p> |
<strong>352</strong> |
<p>CHANCES CREATED</p> |
<p align="center">341</p> |
<strong>377</strong> |
<p>AVG. POSESSION</p> |
<p align="center">46.77</p> |
<strong>50.09</strong> |
<p>SUCCESSFUL PASSES/GAME</p> |
<p align="center">290.26</p> |
<strong>308.91</strong> |
<p>SUCCESSFUL CROSSES/GAME</p> |
<p align="center">2.29</p> |
<strong>3.21</strong> |
As you can see, the Cascadia rivals had the same number of points in the regular season, but Whitecaps FC finished ahead of Portland in the standings because they had one more win. The two teams also led the league with 13 clean sheets. So we probably shouldn’t expect to see a ton of goals, but anything can happen in the playoffs – let alone a Cascadia playoff derby.
Here are a few other observations:
Portland averaged more possession, passes, and chances created per game than Vancouver this season, which means they will likely see more of the ball – if these trends continue, at least.
At the same time, the ‘Caps still scored more goals, which speaks to their lethal counter-attack.
Set pieces could also be key.
Buckle up: this one is going to be fun.
Kickoff for Sunday's match is set for 2 p.m. PT at Providence Park (TSN and TSN 1410 radio). Whitecaps FC will host the decisive second leg on Sunday, November 8 at BC Place (kickoff TBD). Secure your tickets for Vancouver's first-ever MLS home playoff match today.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
