Whitecaps look to lock up playoff spot
Posted October 21, 2012 10:11 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Vancouver Whitecaps are looking to make history this afternoon as they try and become the first Canadian team to reach the MLS postseason with a win over the Portland Timbers.
The ‘Caps can clinch the fifth and final playoff spot in the West with a win, or an FC Dallas loss to the Seattle Sounders.
Vancouver is trying to reach the playoffs in just its second season as a part of Major League Soccer. Canada’s other two teams — Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact – have never reached the postseason.
The Whitecaps will be playing their final home match of the season and their final match of the Cascadia Cup. Vancouver has never beaten a Cascadia rival in MLS action.
The teams have met twice already this season. They played to a 1-1 draw in May before the Timbers took a 2-1 victory in August.
The Whitecaps are expecting the return of four players from international duty. Dane Richards (Jamaica), Kenny Miller (Scotland), Atiba Harris (St. Kitts & Nevis), and Carlyle Mitchell (Trinidad & Tobago) will help boost the club.
Striker Darren Mattocks and midfielder John Thorrington may both miss the game with hamstring injuries. The club will make a decision on whether they’ll play closer to the game.
Kickoff at BC Place is 4 p.m. The game can be seen on Sportsnet One.
