We're two weeks from the start of the 2016 MLS regular season (March 6!), and we've got another five squads in action to close out the weekend, including the opening of the Simple Invitational in Portland. Be sure to catch up on Saturday's action and take in what you need to know for today:
- Orlando City SC 2, Toronto FC 1 Goals:KakĆ” 2
- Chicago 3, Vancouver 2
- Portland 4, Minnesota 0
Hosts open Simple Invitational with big win
The Portland Timbers beat Minnesota United 4-0 on Sunday evening at Providence Park. Contributing to the one-sided scoreline was the fact that Minnesota had two players sent off during the course of the match.
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Starting XIs for the Sunday nightcap
Here are the lineups for Sunday's final preseason game, Timbers vs. Minnesota United in Portland at the Simple Invitational, with the game kicking off at 8 pm ET:
Each team is streaming the game on their respective team sites: POR | MIN
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Fire defeat Whitecaps 3-2
The Chicago Fire prevailed in the opening game of the 2016 Simple Invitational in Portland, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-2. Chicago trialist John Goossens had another preseason goal, opening the scoring in the 5th minute, before Johan Kappelhof scored an own goal to tie it up at 1-1. Cristian Techera put the 'Caps ahead in the 38th minute, but Chicago scored two unanswered goals, courtesy of Gilberto and Kennedy Igboananike, in the second half.
RELATED: Chicago Fire, Vancouver Whitecaps
Starting XIs for the evening action
It's that time for Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Chicago Fire, with both starting lineups announced for today's 5:30 p.m. ET start:
Each team is streaming the game on their respective team sites: CHI | VAN
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Molino continues strong comeback for OCSC
Midfielder Kevin Molino impressed for Orlando City SC in today's exhibition victory over Toronto FC:
Molino, who played a role in both goals for the Lions, has been fervently rehabbing after an ACL injury last May capped his season at seven appearances.
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KakĆ” tallies twice in Lions' victory
Orlando City SC put away Toronto FC, 2-1, in the day's opening action. You'll have to trust the OCSC Twitter guru that the first goal was a "nice build up" between KakĆ” and Kevin Molino, but they got the second for you:
Midfielder Jonathan Osorio scored early for Toronto, and it sounded impressive ā can't wait for those highlights! Check TorontoFC.ca later tonight ā they promised.
RELATED: Toronto FC, Orlando City SC
Simple Invitational Opens in Portland
The Timbers have opened up the Rose City to three squads for this week's Simple Invitational, which runs through February 27 (Ticket Info).
The opening match features the Chicago Fire taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps at 5:30 p.m. ET, with each team streaming the game: CHI | VAN
The nightcap features the Timbers taking on looming MLS expansion side Minnesota United FC at 8 p.m. ET. The Timbers are streaming that game, so tune in to catch the champs. Or if you're all about the Loons, check it it here.
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TFC takes on the Lions
This afternoon, Orlando City SC hosts Toronto FC as the teams open their final week of preseason. The game will not be streamed, so be sure to follow #TFCLive and/or @OrlandoCitySC on Twitter for live updates! We'll have more here after the match.
Keep an eye out for the potential debut of recent OCSC signing Antonio Nocerino.
RELATED: Toronto FC, Orlando City SC
