In a crucial Western Conference match with added spice of a Cascadia rivalry thrown in, the Portland Timbers traveled north to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.
After a well-played first half that saw few chances for either side, Timbers defender Alvas Powell--making his first appearance since May 17--opened his MLS scoring account in the 51st minute with a flicked hin header near post. Clever service from Portland maestro Diego Valeri to boot.
But the Timbers weren't finished yet. Mere moments after subbing on for Powell, Timbers right back Michael Harrington flew down the right side in the 75th minute before cutting a ball back to a wide-open Maximiliano Urruti. Urruti took a touch, spun, and fired with deadly accuracy to give the Timbers a 2-0 lead.
Portland then put a stamp on the match with flourish five minutes later. Darlington Nagbe, dangerous all night, split the Caps defense with a perfect ball to an onrushing Rodney Wallace. Wallace made no mistake and fired it home for a 3-0 Timbers lead.
