Northwest Rivals Visit Swangard This Saturday

Published on April 23, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release


Vancouver Whitecaps FC (0W-1L-2D) look to bounce back from a challenging two-match road trip when they host Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers (7W-13L-10D in 2008) on Saturday evening.

It has been a less than stellar beginning to the new season for the defending USL First Division champions, with the Whitecaps claiming two draws and a defeat from their opening three matches. After a goalless stalemate with Charleston Battery to start the season on April 11, the Blue and White fell 2-1 to the Islanders in Puerto Rico last Saturday before USL-1 expansion club Austin Aztex earned a 1-1 draw with Teitur Thordarson's side in the Texas state capital on Tuesday night.

This weekend's match at Swangard Stadium is Vancouver's last chance to claim maximum points before the end of the month, with the Timbers heading up Interstate 5 to begin their 2009 USL-1 campaign. The game will be the 36th USL-1 meeting between the Whitecaps and Timbers, with Portland's last win in Vancouver coming back on May 23, 2004. Both sets of players will be familiar with each other after they met in a preseason friendly at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex on April 3. Goals by Vancouver centre back Wesley Charles and Portland midfielder Johan Claesson resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Still searching for their first win of the year, Thordarson will hope some of the good fortune from last season's matches against the Oregon club can rub off on his side, as the Whitecaps won all three games against the Timbers in 2008. The first win came on May 24, as Vicente Arze's first-ever Whitecaps goal gave Vancouver their first victory in Portland since July 2, 2004. That was followed by a 3-1 home win on June 7. Second-half goals by Eduardo Sebrango, Martin Nash, and Alfredo Valente led the 'Caps to victory at Swangard that day. That result was repeated on August 22, as a two-goal performance by Nicholas Addlery gave the Whitecaps a 2-1 home victory.

WHITECAPS

Finding a consistent level of performance has been a challenge for Thordarson's side so far, though the Icelandic tactician felt his new-look team may have needed time to find form. "We felt there may be some inconsistency to our performances this early in the season. We even had that problem a bit last season," he told whitecapfc.com. "Our performances were very much up and down in the three matches we have played. Yet, as we the weeks go on and we get some key players back from injury and suspension, I feel we will be in fine shape."

The recent two-match road trip provided a chance for Vancouver's younger players to garner more first-team experience, with Luca Bellisomo, Marcus Haber, and Mason Trafford all making notable contributions. "The younger guys were able to take their opportunities in these games and show they are able to bring something to the group," Thordarson said. "A good example was Wes Knight, who played very well for us on the right side of midfield in Austin."

With the squad back at Swangard, the Whitecaps are keen to send their fans home happy on Saturday. "We have put pressure on ourselves after our first three games, but that pressure comes from within our team and our desire to get results," Thordarson said. "Portland are starting their season against us, so if they were to get something here on Saturday, they will be happy. As with every game in our league, it will not be easy. Yet, we are at home, so we should be feeling confident."

The 'Caps should be boosted by the return of two key players for Saturday's game. Striker Marlon James and winger Justin Moose look to have overcome their respective injury concerns. The pair will be available to face the Timbers, should they come through Friday's training session without any problems. The squad have also been boosted by the return of midfielder Gordon Chin to Vancouver. The former Canadian youth international re-signed with his hometown club on Thursday after a spell in China with Yantai Yiteng. Right fullback Lyle Martin remains three weeks away from returning, as he continues his recovery from the broken foot he sustained in preseason. Fellow defender Geordie Lyall is also close to making his return, but youngster Randy Edwini-Bonsu remains sidelined with an ankle problem. Centre back Jeff Parke will miss Portland's visit, as he serves the final game of a 10-match ban that he received in Major League Soccer (MLS) last season.

TIMBERS

After missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons last year, Timbers head coach Gavin Wilkinson decided change was needed in his squad for coming campaign. As a result, the former New Zealand international only retained half-a-dozen players from the squad that finished last in the 2008 USL-1 regular season standings. They include Cameron Dunn, Shaun Higgins, Cameron Knowles, Tom Poltl, Takayuki Suzuki, and Scot Thompson.

Portland's new additions include several players that were with MLS clubs in 2008. Goalkeeper Steve Cronin is likely to be Timbers number one this season after moving to 'The City of Roses' from Los Angeles Galaxy. The club have also added another Japanese import in defender Takuro Nishimura, while the former Atlanta Silverbacks pair of David Hayes and Tony McManus bring valuable USL-1 experience to Wilkinson's squad. Swedish midfielder Claesson may be an important addition for Portland this season, while former Whitecaps striker Jason McLaughlin has also joined the Timbers after spending last season in Atlanta.

As it is their season opener, those at Swangard should expect a different style of play from this year's Timbers. "The expectations are that we will be a very attractive team going forward by keeping the ball, moving it quickly, and creating a lot of chances," Wilkinson told OregonLive.com.

One player that is full of anticipation for the weekend is Whitecaps centre back Justin Thompson. The defender returned home to Vancouver in the winter after spending the past two seasons with Portland. "It's always interesting playing your old team, as I still have some good friends down there," he said. "I feel we can get the three points, as it is their first game of the season, while we've already played three games. Yet, they've had a good preseason and they will be hungry because their returning guys took the way they finished last season very personally. I expect Saturday to be a tough game for us."

Matches over the years between Whitecaps and Timbers have provided a unique atmosphere among both sets of supporters. This Saturday should be no different, as over 100 Portland fans are expected to venture up Interstate 5 to support their team at Swangard.

35 YEARS PLAYER CARD

The second edition of our '35 Years' player cards will be distributed free to the first 1,000 fans that enter Swangard on Saturday night. The card will be of English goalkeeper Phil Parkes, who was an integral member of the Whitecaps side that won the North American Soccer League championship in 1979.

ARE YOU IN?

There are a limited number of 2009 season tickets still available. A Whitecaps season ticket remains the best value to see all of the men's team's home matches in USL-1 and guarantees your seat for both of Vancouver's home matches in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Season ticket holders also receive priority listing for Vancouver MLS 2011 in BC Place.

Saturday's game between the Whitecaps and Portland at Swangard Stadium kicks off at 7:00 p.m. PDT. Whitecaps individual match tickets start at just $19 and are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, online at ticketmaster.ca, and by phone at 604.280.4400 or 1.800.663.9311. CLICK HERE for information on our individual match tickets.

Whitecaps season tickets are also on sale. Season tickets include all men's and women's team regular season and playoff home matches at Swangard Stadium, Nutrilite Canadian Championship home matches against Toronto FC and Montreal Impact, as well as priority listing for Vancouver MLS 2011 in BC Place and the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium. For more information on the 2009 season ticket packages, call 604.669.WAVE (9283).

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USL First Division Stories from April 23, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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