VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC face some familiar faces, one more familiar than the others, as they meet Cascadia rival Portland Timbers this afternoon for the first time since last year's heartbreak. The playoff rematch at BC Place is sold out, but tickets remain for the 'Caps fixture versus Chicago Fire this Wednesday.
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Here are three storylines for the match.
PAYBACK TIME?
The hurt from last year's playoff loss vs. Portland still lingers with the 'Caps.
That's natural when someone else has something you badly want, as centre back Tim Parker said in training earlier this week.
The Whitecaps FC backline will be tested by the formidable Timbers attack, led by midfielder Diego Valeri, who tops MLS in chances created with 32. Striker Fanendo Adi is also a big threat, having scored seven of Portland's 14 goals so far this season.
The good news for the 'Caps is they expect defender Kendall Waston back in the middle after serving a one-match suspension.
The bad news? Winger Kekuta Manneh will sit out today's match. Christian Bolaños (two goals in the last two outings) will be relied upon in Manneh's absence.
RECAPTURING THE CASCADIA
There's more than just revenge on the line today. Actual hardware could also be at stake.
After taking an early lead for this year's version of the Cascadia Cup with a Week 3 win over Seattle Sounders FC, the 'Caps look to add a bit of cushion in the Pacific Northwest competition standings with another three points.
Nicolás Mezquida, who was buzzing in the last match at New York City FC, scored in the Timbers' lone regular season visit to BC Place last year.
MATTOCKS RETURNS
Today's fixture is a reunion of sorts, with Darren Mattocks expected to make his first appearance in Vancouver after being traded earlier this year.
It will be interesting what kind of reception the former striker gets, and what impact he makes, as he has started two of the Timbers' last three matches.
Will the 'Caps be able to exact revenge from their long-time nemesis? Tune in at 2 p.m. PT on TSN1 to find out.
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