The Portland Timbers came into Sunday's match against the Vancouver Whitecaps knowing that a win would put them into the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, but their Cascadia Cup rivals played the spoiler with a 4-1 victory at BC Place taking the 2016 Cascadia Cup in the process.
With the loss and Sporting Kansas City's win over the San Jose Earthquakes, the 2015 MLS Cup champions are the first reigning MLS Cup winner to miss the playoffs since the LA Galaxy in 2006. The win pulled the Whitecaps into a tie with their Cascadia rivals on points in the Cup standings, and the three goal difference gave them the goal differential advantage which earned them a bit of silverware.
Giles Barnes scored his first two goals in a Whitecaps uniform, both which were highlight-reel worthy. The 'Caps smashed two more insurance goals home in the second half, including a Pedro Morales rocket from the corner of the penalty area. The Timbers managed to get on the score sheet with a penalty kick goal by Diego Valeri.
Box Score
- 13' - VAN - Giles Barnes
- 32' - VAN - Giles Barnes
- 54' - VAN - Pedro Morales
- 55' - VAN - Nicolas Mezquida (Christian Bolanos)
- 72' - POR - Diego Valeri (PK)
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Three Things
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER:
Barnes' 2016 season after the Whitecaps acquired him may not have gone his way, but he certainly closed out the season on a high note. The brace against the Timbers is his first since
, according to Opta.
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