Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers consider Wild Card a 'Cup Final'

Postseason games tend to be close, low-key affairs where teams keep risk to a minimum as they value trophies above all else.

However, that precedent could disappear on Wednesday night when Vancouver Whitecaps FC takes on the Portland Timbers in the Western Conference Wild Card game at Providence Park (10:30 p.m. ET | Apple TV – Free).

Led by the attacking trio of Jonathan Rodríguez (16g/7a), Evander (15g/19a) and Felipe Mora (14g/6a), Portland boasts one of the league's deadliest and most fearsome offenses, at times at the expense of their defensive solidity.

And yet head coach Phil Neville – who promised in a recent interview with MLSsoccer.com that he would “live and die” by the club's attacking ethos – repeated that message in Tuesday's matchday one press conference.

“I think there is incredible excitement around the building, around the city, everywhere in the city. I think there's been a real boost of energy since Saturday's game,” Neville told reporters. “And we’re really looking forward to the game. I think in situations like this you have to enjoy the opportunity, enjoy the moment – that's why you work all year round, that's why you sacrifice for certain moments in what we do.” Like here, you have to go out and deliver.

“And I think it’s time for us to deliver.”

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Neville's counterpart Vanni Sartini was equally ambitious, telling local media on Monday that Vancouver will need to play aggressively if it wants to advance to the best-of-three first-round series against top-seeded LAFC.

“I would say our game is to hold the ball more, move it and finish the attack in the final third. “So when you finish the attack in the final third, it’s easy to be aggressive and win the ball back,” Sartini said. “That’s why I think our attacking game will be key.”

As important as the offense is to Sartini, he is still very focused on keeping things organized behind the scenes, especially given the prospect of dealing with Evander. The Brazilian playmaker is enjoying a breakthrough year in 2024, which puts him among Landon Donovan's MLS MVP favorites thanks to his 34 goal involvements – second only to Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi's 36.

“We have to limit Evander the way we limit very good players. So, team-wise, we’re trying to limit the source to Evander,” Sartini said.

However, the 'Caps also have their own elite number in Ryan Gauld. 10, whose 10g/15a this season earned him his first Scottish national team call-up in the summer as he continues to build chemistry between himself and Brian White (15g/2a) and DP newcomer Stuart Armstrong.

“Hopefully they don’t restrict Ryan,” Sartini said. “Because I think there’s a good chance that one of those two guys will be the difference-maker in the game.”

With both clubs facing a win-or-win scenario, their coaches stressed that they must be at their best given what is at stake in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

“It’s a cup final. We have to do our best,” said Neville, who led the Timbers back to the playoffs in his first season as coach after a two-year absence.

“…It depends on the winner, it depends on success or defeat. I've always thought that in these games you just have to stay really, really calm. I saw an added advantage with the players, and there’s the energy around the building – everyone wants to play.”

Sartini was equally blunt about his team's chances, especially with Vancouver on a seven-game winning streak at the end of the regular season.

“I think it’s entirely up to us. Of course Portland will give a little more because it's a playoff game, so we have to give a little more because it's a playoff game,” Sartini said.

“And basically everyone has to be ready to play the best game of the season.”