VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Kenny Cooper scored in the 25th minute and the Portland Timbers beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 in the first MLS game played at the newly refurbished BC Place Stadium.
The Timbers (11-13-7) took advantage of a Whitecaps mistake to score the only goal they would need as defender Alain Rochat turned the ball over at midfield. Midfielder Diego Chara fed Cooper a perfect ball and the big forward hammered a shot from the top of the box over the outstretched fingers of Vancouver goalkeeper Joe Cannon.
The Whitecaps (4-16-10) pressed for the tying goal in second half but the Portland defense was equal to the challenge.
Vancouver striker Eric Hassli missed a scoring chance on a header in the final moments, and then pounded the turf with his fist.
