You read that right: The Whitecaps are technically the “home” team. And they’ll be hosting the last of their home matches at Providence Park for the remainder of the season. Hopefully they’re good house guests, not the ones that come in eat all your food and several days later are like “Smell ya later, dude!.”

Regardless if this is a home match or not for the Timbers, they’re playing at Providence Park — though not having the Timbers Army in full voice is a bit of a downer and usually plays into the home pitch advantage. So what if we’re the road team? This is still our house, and it should be defended as such. Not that I don’t think it won’t: The guys gutted out that 1-0 victory up north. I knew that scoring one goal was doable, but scoring that second? They were going to have a hell of a time, and they did.

With the much-needed rest for the Portland Timbers, we should be treated to a full strength starting eleven. I’d like to see Jeremy Ebobisse up top and not on the wing; I think he’s better suited for a number nine and his hold up play is exceptional. This is not a diss of the other two strikers; I just think you’re wasting Ebobisse out on the wing. But, hey, I’m not the manager.

Still looking someone to step up and fill that Sebastian Blanco-sized hole out on the pitch. No one can replicate what he does, but they sure as hell can give it a go. I’m still on the Eryk Williamson hype train: I’d like to see him do some more. Although he’s been mainly used as a six, he isn’t afraid to step up when the situation calls for it.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are coming into this match on the back of a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of the Los Angeles Football Club. Although the Whitecaps were missing star striker, Fredy Montero. (Is he still a star? Or is he now just another striker? Either way he’s scored a few goals, only other road team he’s scored more on is at Toyota Stadium home to FC Dallas.)

Injury Report

Out: Dairon Asprilla (season-ending surgery), Sebastian Blanco (ACL tear; out for season), Blake Bodily (thigh)

Questionable: Chris Duvall (lower leg), Jeff Attinella (back spasms), Tomas Conechny (shoulder), Bill Tuiloma (thigh)

Starting Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps

Portland Timbers

Referee: Ted Unkel
Assistant referees: Mike Rottersman, Chris Elliott
Fourth official: Brandon Stevis
VAR: Alejandro Mariscal

Location: Providence Park, Portland OR
Kick-off time: 7:00 Pacific/10:00 Eastern
TV broadcast: ROOT SPORTS
Rival SB Nation site: Eighty Six Forever
Radio broadcast: 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish)

Join us in the match thread! Rose City ‘til I Die!