Whitecaps at Timbers
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Providence Park.
TV / radio: ROOT Sports/ AM 750.
Tickets: Very limited remaining — 503-553-5555 or timbers.com.
Timbers notes: Portland (9 wins, 7 losses, 4 ties, 31 points) entered the weekend in fourth place in the Western Conference, one point behind FC Dallas, Vancouver and Seattle who were tied atop the conference. The Timbers have won six of their last eight MLS matches. In the wins, they have never trailed and outscored opponents 12-2. In the two losses, including last Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Philadelphia, the Timbers have been outscored 8-0. Look for left back Jorge Villafana and right back Alvas Powell to return to the lineup. … Saying he “didn’t want to show his cards,” coach Caleb Porter on Friday declined to update the status of the five injured Timbers who did not make last week’s trip to Philadelphia: Darlington Nagbe, Maximilliano Urruti, Diego Chara, Norberto Paparatto and goalkeeper Andrew Kwarasey. … Fanendo Adi’s eight goals are five more than any other Timbers player.
Powell’s apology: Alvas Powell left the Jamaican national team on Wednesday as it prepared for the Gold Cup quarterfinals. On Friday, the 20-year-old released a statement through the Timbers apologizing for leaving the team. In part, it read: “I would like to sincerely apologize to the people of Jamaica, the JFF and my teammates. I am truly sorry this situation has occurred, as I wanted to play for my country in the Gold Cup. Unfortunately, things were not handled right and I take full responsibility for my actions, but this wasn’t to do with lack of playing time.” Caleb Porter said that the Timbers had no role in the decision. “It’s not a decision he took lightly,” the Timbers coach said. “All I know is Alvas is one of the most professional players I’ve coached — obviously, a loyal guy. And I know playing for his country means a lot to him.”
Whitecaps notes: At 10-8-2, the Whitecaps entered the weekend tied with Seattle and Dallas atop the Western Conference. Vancouver has lost consecutive matches, at Colorado and at home to Sporting Kansas City. Vancouver will have some youth in its defense on Saturday, with Tim Parker and Christian Dean likely starters at center back. Veteran Kendall Waston has joined Costa Rica for the Gold Cup quarterfinals and former Timber Pa Modou Kah is nursing a calf strain. Also in doubt is the status of midfielder Pedro Morales, who has missed four matches with a calf strain. Coach Carl Robinson said this week that there is an outside chance Morales could see action in Portland.
