Vancouver, BC (Sports Network) - The Portland Timbers managed to salvage
something from what has been a mostly forgettable season on Sunday as the
club's 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place clinched the Cascadia
Cup.
Vancouver entered the contest knowing that a win would make the team the first
from Canada to clinch a postseason berth.
However, a surprisingly flat performance followed, with Portland's Jack
Jewsbury providing the lone goal with a fantastic first-half strike.
The Timbers had already been eliminated from playoff contention and brought a
six-game winless streak into the game.
Making matters worse was the fact that Portland had yet to win a game away
from home, which was a good sign for the Whitecaps.
However, Jewsbury provided the lone moment of inspiration in the first half
when Franck Songo'o dropped him a ball that he lashed into the upper right
corner of the net from 35 yards.
Bright Dike tried to double the lead in the 75th minute but his near-post
effort was tipped wide by Vancouver goalkeeper Brad Knighton.
The best chance that the hosts had to equalize came 11 minutes from time as
Barry Robson saw his rocket from 20 yards sail just over the crossbar.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network