Portland Timbers x Vancouver Whitecaps

The match kicked off with both teams striving for early control. Portland aimed to assert dominance, but a midfield turnover within 13 minutes provided Whitecaps FC with an opening. Sam Adekugbe's cross found Alessandro Schöpf, whose shot deflected off Brian White, setting up Ryan Gauld to tap in the opening goal.

Portland attempted a comeback, with Felipe Mora heading a set-piece chance over the bar. Dairon Asprilla's bicycle kick also missed the target, keeping the score level. Approaching halftime, Whitecaps FC extended their lead as Gauld's precise cross met White's header at the back post, making it 2-0.

White nearly secured a third goal from a Gauld corner, but his header hit the crossbar. The first half concluded with that effort. In the second half, Portland persisted with possession, leading to Mora's impressive header from Asprilla's cross, narrowing the gap.

However, Whitecaps FC responded with a penalty won by Richie Laryea, converted by Gauld to regain a two-goal advantage. Despite a late goal by Evander for Portland, Whitecaps FC held on to secure a 3-2 victory in Providence Park, fending off Portland's late surge for an equalizer.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Hector Mendoza]