Whitecaps - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
September 10, 2007 5:00 PM
Well, we've reached the end of the regular season and now we sit and wait in anticipation of the big matchup. No, not the Kanye West vs. 50 Cent album release on Tuesday. (BTW, it's not even close, Kanye wins in a landslide. And kudos if you recognized the pun in the title). I'm talking about the Whitecaps v. Portland Timbers playoff quarterfinal. The first match is at Swangard on Friday at 7pm, with the second at Portland on Sunday at 5pm. (*Note, I'm hearing rumblings of a bus trip getting organized, but I'll know more on Wednesday).
For those of you unaware of the format, the two games are an aggregate goal format, which means the team with the most goals at the end of the two matches wins. No away-goal stipulation like the UEFA Champions League. If the total goals are tied after 180 minutes, there is 30 minutes of extra time, and if need be, a penalty shootout.
Now, about the match. Expect an intense series as both teams are used to physical affair. The Timbers finished 12 points up on us, but we hold the edge in playoff experience - Portland having missed the playoffs entirely last season. Portland will rely on a tight defence set on earning a goalless draw at Swangard, while the Caps will try to control the midfield and engage multiple attacking options. There are subplots all over the pitch, but the most intriguing to me involves former Whitecaps keeper Josh Wicks. Who holds the advantage - Wicks, who will be determined to beat the former squad that wouldn't guarantee him a starting gig, or the Caps who should know enough about Josh's tendencies to give him a tough go? Only a few days until we find out!
Posted By: Ryan Mckee on September 10, 2007 5:00 PM
