Vancouver Whitecaps, Portland Timbers treat Wild Card as "cup final"

Whitecaps, Timbers set for Cascadia clash in MLS Cup Playoffs

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers will face off in a Western Conference Wild Card match on Sunday, October 16.

Both teams finished the regular season with identical 12-15-7 records, but Vancouver earned the No. 7 seed by virtue of a tiebreaker.

The Whitecaps are making their first playoff appearance since 2017, while the Timbers are looking to reach the MLS Cup for the third time in four years.

High stakes for both teams

The Whitecaps and Timbers know that Sunday's match is a must-win game.

The winner will advance to the Western Conference semifinals, while the loser will see their season come to an end.

Both teams have been in good form in recent weeks, and they will be confident of their chances of winning.

History favors Vancouver

The Whitecaps have a slight edge over the Timbers in the all-time series, with a record of 13-11-10.

Vancouver has also won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 2-1 victory in Portland in August.

However, the Timbers have a good record at BC Place Stadium, where Sunday's match will be played.

Timbers looking to bounce back

The Timbers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to the regular season.

Portland lost three of their last four matches, including a 3-1 defeat to the LA Galaxy on Decision Day.

The Timbers will need to be at their best if they want to beat the Whitecaps and advance to the next round.

Whitecaps hoping to make a statement

The Whitecaps are hoping to make a statement in the playoffs after a difficult regular season.

Vancouver has struggled with consistency all year, but they have shown that they can be a dangerous team when they are on form.

The Whitecaps will be hoping to put together a complete performance on Sunday and earn a berth in the Western Conference semifinals.