Timbers Drop 1-0 Result on the Road Against Vancouver Whitecaps FC

April 9, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Portland Timbers News Release

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Portland Timbers dropped a 1-0 result on the road against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday night. Portland will return home to host Seattle Sounders FC on April 15 at Providence Park in a Cascadia Cup matchup.

2023 Cascadia Cup Run

Tonight’s match marked the first between Cascadia Cup contenders in the 2023 season. The Timbers claimed its third Cascadia Cup title in club history (2022, 2017, 2012) last year, finishing the 2022 competition with a combined record of 3-0-1 over Seattle (2-0-0) and Vancouver (1-0-1). The Timbers remain in contention to capture the 2023 Cascadia Cup dependent on results between the three Cascadia rivals throughout the season. The Timbers will play Sounders FC three times throughout the season, including one match at Providence Park (April 15) and two on the road (June 3, Sept. 2), and have one remaining match against Whitecaps FC at home (Aug. 26).

Tonight’s Notables

Aljaz Ivacic recorded eight saves in tonight’s match, his second career best in a single match after tallying nine saves against Toronto FC in 2022. In just three appearances this season, the goalkeeper has recorded a total of 16 saves. Tega Ikoba registered his first start of his MLS career, becoming the fifth youngest player to do so in club history. Ikoba has tallied a goal in 83 minutes played this season (four appearances). Notably, the goal was his first in his MLS career (March 18 vs. Atlanta United FC), becoming the youngest player to score in club history. After battling injuries throughout the beginning of the season, David Ayala made his season debut as a second-half substitute, and Evander made his fourth appearance for Portland tonight.

Goal-Scoring Plays

VAN – Brian White (Julian Gressel), 74th minute: Off a rebound in the right side of the box, Julian Gressel attempted a shot that was blocked by defender Justin Rasmussen. On a second rebound, Gressel slipped a low ball into the middle of the six-yard box where Brian White tapped the ball with his right foot to find the back of the net.

Notes

Tonight’s match marked the first between any of the three Cascadia contenders in 2023.

The Timbers remain in contention to capture the 2023 Cascadia Cup dependent on results between the three Cascadia rivals throughout the season.

Portland will host Seattle Sounders FC next weekend (April 15) in back-to-back matchups between Cascadia rivals.

The Timbers are 15-10-7…