Total destruction Whitecaps humiliate Timbers and send MLS warning | OneFootball

In Providence Park, the Vancouver Whitecaps side defeated Portland Timbers 4-1, overwhelming a local rivalry and serving notice that they are real threats this season. With a destructive attacking display and a showpiece performance from Jayden Nelson, the side proved firepower, belligerence, and complete mastery of the match.

Early control and numbers in favor

From the start, the Whitecaps had signaled their intentions. Just three minutes in, Brian White had already tested Maxime Crépeau, with the former Whitecaps goalkeeper forced to clear the ball prematurely. But that was merely a preview of what was in store.

At 12 minutes, Ryan Gauld sent a perfect through ball to White, who was fouled by Kamal Miller, and the Portland defender was subsequently given a yellow card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. From then on, with an advantage of a man, Vancouver took complete control of the game.

The relentless pressure finally paid off. At 24 minutes, youngster Jayden Nelson intercepted a Crépeau clearance, broke into the box, and played in Ryan Gauld, who finished clinically to put the Whitecaps ahead. The goalkeeper tried to react, but it was too late, Whitecaps 1-0.

With Portland reeling, Vancouver struck again at 32 minutes. Nelson, the mastermind for the second time, played a brilliant backheel pass to Pedro Vite, who didn't waste any time and curled in a lovely shot into the top corner. 2-0, and Portland was already vanquished.

Relentless efficiency and dominant victory

Despite the comfortable advantage, Vancouver never let up. At halftime, Gauld had yet another chance to score but was stopped by Crépeau. However, when halftime arrived and the two teams were walking off the pitch, one thing was for sure, Vancouver was in control.

For those who were anticipating a reduced tempo in the second period, Nelson had other ideas. Within two minutes, he created a superb solo piece of play, teeing up Brian White on the edge of the box, but the striker miscued by inches.

At 53 minutes, the third goal finally came, and who but Nelson? From deep in his own half, he sprinted through midfield and played Sam Adekugbe in with accuracy. 3-0, and Vancouver was giving us a show.

But Nelson had yet to do more. At 61 minutes, he took it upon himself. Dashed past defenders in a thrilling solo run, he cut inside and scored with a ball to the net. A fantasy MLS debut for the young sensation, who was simply the best on the pitch.

Portland scored a consolation goal at 73 minutes, as Antony took advantage of a lucky deflection inside the box. But the game was settled already. Ranko Veselinović saw a goal disallowed late in the match, and Berhalter forced Crépeau to make a spectacular save on a free kick.