With both chasing the MLS Western conference lead, Portland Timbers will arrive at BC Place to face off against Vancouver Whitecaps. Match will begin on Sunday, March 31, at 3:30 AM CET.
Vancouver Whitecaps
The Blue-and-White are the best team in Canada, as they won the Canadian Championship twice in a row, but they are yet to advance past the quarter-finals in MLS, despite being a full-time participant since 2011.
Interestingly enough, this season has not been kind for the Caps at home. The team won twice on the road during their trips to California and Texas, but earned only a point in Vancouver, including a “1-2” loss to Real Salt Lake last week. Now, with another team from Pacific Northwest coming to British Columbia, Whitecaps will seek their first home victory to please the local fans.
Portland Timbers
After winning the MLS Cup in 2015, Portland Timbers came agonizingly close twice in 2018 and 2021, but missed the cut to the playoffs twice in a row ever since.
Starting the season with a sponsorship scandal, the Timbers have rallied, earning seven points in three games, however, they will travel to Canada with the losses during the last two, including a heavy defeat to Philadelphia Union back in Oregon last week.
Prediction ⚽️
Teams traded blows during the past few seasons, as neither won every game in the same campaign since Portland did it in 2020.
Vancouver is much stingier on the defensive end this season, while Portland is a bit more attack-oriented, so it remains to be seen, which style is going to prevail on Sunday in Canada. Sportsbooks prefer the home squad to post their first victory at BC Place in 2024, as we will do the same with 1.86 odds 🔥.