POSTGAME: A Downpour, Timbers Fall to Whitecaps 2-1

Vancouver rained all over Portland's playoff opener, putting in a pair of header-goals to defeat the Timbers 2-1 in the first match of their semi-final series. A supportive crowd of 4,516 endured water soaked conditions at Swangard stadium, but surely left with smiles on their faces as their Whitecaps will take a 1 goal lead into Sunday's game at Portland. The #1 seeded Timbers now face an uphill climb as they'll need multiple goals at PGE to avoid being upset by the postseason's lowest ranked team. The Whitecaps already upset Carolina to get into the semi's, the winner of this round advancing to face the winner of Montreal and Puerto Rico. After such a successful season, one full of milestones, records, and awards, such a brief appearance in the playoffs would certainly feel like a bitter beginning to a chilly fall.

The rain had a big factor on the outcome of the game. Although both teams were forced to slop through the puddles, it seemed to be the Timbers who were bogged down the most, something that we've seen before when the team's been caught in the rain. The Whitecaps struck first, Charles Gbeke receiving a lob pass in the box and blasting a bouncing header at the ground which somehow ricocheted off the top cross bar and into the goal. Gbeke finished the season as the USL's leading goal scorer and lived up to his dangerous billing, later in the 2nd half assisting on the game-winning header by forward Marcus Haber. Portland's only goal of the game came on a PK kick by Ryan Pore, a result of a controversial foul called on Whitecaps defender Lyle Martin minutes before halftime. The Vancouver bench and their faithful would erupt in disapproval, substitute Marco Reda confronting a referee and arguing his way into a red card. Reda will not play a single minute of the series, as he'll be forced to sit out the final match as well.

At times, the Timbers looked as sloppy as the field conditions they played on, failing to keep possession and not able to consistently put pressure on Vancouver's backline. The Timbers were outshot and outworked in both halves - the Whitecaps winning shot attempts 9-6 and earning more fouls 15-7 overall. For most of the match, Vancouver was the sharper squad and might of scored a couple more times if not for some invaluable saves by keeper Steve Cronin. The effects of a long layoff were apparent for Portland, players looking rusty and ineffective. Keita, specifically, getting locked down and not able to break loose for any threatening runs. Taka Suzuki and Jason Mclaughlin subbed in for the last ten minutes or so, however, perhaps the Timbers could have used their fresh legs and energy earlier in the match. We'll see if Coach Wilkinson is willing to reach into his bench more often on Sunday. Ironically, Marlon James was used very effectively in a back-up role for Vancouver, literally giving them a large threat on offense late in the match. If depth is one of Portland's strenghs shouldn't they use it? Or is it proper tradition to trim down the rotation for the playoffs?

Vancouver has proved once again that they're a team that shouldn't be taken lightly. Throughout the year they've given up their share of goals, but have shown the ability to tighten things up and clamp down on defense when it matters most. On the brightside, essentially all the Whitecaps did was hold serve. Vancouver's a much better team at home than on the road, plus Portland does own the season series 2-1 with the Whitecaps lone victory coming at Swangard Stadium. The Timbers will have to force the issue, perhaps the trick finding that balance between aggression and efficient play if they hope to comeback and win the series. They'll also need to score goals, possibly a few of them. Either way it should be a packed-house and a riotous atmosphere at PGE Park this Sunday, as eager fans will finally get to see their first playoff action of the year.........with the entire season on the line. No biggie.

One last drop:



Charles Gbeke - Greg Oden's long lost brother?




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Also, check out these awesome photos over at SoccerCity