VANCOUVER, BC – After an entertaining 2-2 draw with Seattle Sounders FC last weekend at BC Place, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to meet Portland Timbers this weekend at Providence Park in their second straight Cascadia clash.
KICKOFF: 6 p.m. PT TV: TSN RADIO: TEAM 1410 MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletvONLINE: TSN GO
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
Hurtado goes home
Sunday’s match will be a homecoming of sorts for Whitecaps FC striker Erik Hurtado, who grew up just outside Portland and played with the Timbers U-23 side. Hurtado said he’ll have anywhere between 30 and 50 friends and family members at the match on Sunday, and if the last few games are any indication, they’ll be in for quite the show.
After going goalless in his rookie season, Hurtado has now scored in three straight matches in all competitions. His most recent goal last weekend against Seattle Sounders FC was even crowned MLS Goal of the Week.
“I don’t know if my confidence has changed,” Hurtado told reporters this week. “I’m the same player. I go out there and do what I can. I think it’s more the opportunity that I’ve been given to play.”
Laba vs. Valeri
One of the key matchups to watch this week will be the one between Timbers attacking midfielder Diego Valeri, who has four assists in his last five matches, and Whitecaps FC holding midfielder Matias Laba, one of eight ‘Caps players nominated for the 2014 MLS All-Star Game.
The last time Laba was matched up against a highly regarded Argentinean number 10 was three weeks ago when the ‘Caps earned a 1-0 road win over Columbus Crew.
On that day, not only did Laba shut down star midfielder Federico Higuain, he also had a career-high 10 tackles and was named the Budweiser Man of the Match.
“Mati’s been incredible since he’s come in … he’s an absolute top, top player,” said Whitecaps FC assistant coach Martyn Pert. “I couldn’t speak highly enough of Mati. He makes incredible tackles, he gets his foot on the ball, and he plays it simple. He’s a very, very good centre midfielder.”
Breaking the deadlock
The last four meetings between the ‘Caps and Timbers have ended in draws, including a 1-1 stalemate in Portland at the conclusion of the 2014 preseason.
And if that’s not enough, both teams are riding lengthy undefeated streaks heading into Sunday’s derby match. Vancouver’s unbeaten run is at five matches, and Portland’s is at six after a 2-0 midweek win over Chivas USA.
Can the Blue and White break the deadlock and earn their first win over Portland in MLS?
If so, they will become the first team to beat the Timbers at Providence Park (formerly known as JELD-WEN Field) in 22 MLS regular season matches. Portland’s last home defeat came over a year ago on March 9, 2013 at the hands of Montreal Impact.
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets ($220), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
