Whitecaps stun Timbers 4-1 to deny defending MLS Cup champs a playoff spot
VANCOUVER — A miserable year for the Vancouver Whitecaps finished with a silver lining.
Giles Barnes scored twice in the first half Sunday as Vancouver defeated the Portland Timbers 4-1 on the final day of the regular season to deny the defending MLS Cup champions a spot in this year’s playoffs.
The Whitecaps were eliminated from post-season contention at the beginning of October, and were knocked out of the Western Conference semifinals by the Timbers on the same B.C. Place Stadium pitch 12 months ago. They got a measure of revenge against their rivals thanks to a display of skill, passion and desire that failed to materialize for most of 2016.
“This performance absolutely drives me mad,” said Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. “I know we have the players to do it, but we haven’t done it on a consistent basis. Why? I don’t know. I’m going to get to bottom of it because I don’t want to be sitting here next year saying the same things to you like a broken record.