The opening of the Simple Invitational in Portland had mid-season intensity as the Timbers had two players sent off in their 1-0 loss to Cascadia rival Vancouver before 15,491 fans at Providence Park.Portland suffered a huge blow when midfielder Ben Zemanski tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the first half. The first-ever meeting behind MLS expansionclubs New York City FC and Orlando City, which ended in a 1-1 tie, drew a sellout crowd of 5,244 at Charleston’s Blackbaud Stadium. There were also record crowds at Tucson’s Kino North Stadium andSacramento’s Bonney Field.

Week 4 Schedule:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22:
SimpleInvitational:
Portland, OR | Portland 0 Vancouver 1.
The Timberssuffered a huge blow when midfielder Ben Zemanski tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the 26thminute. Zemanski had stepped in for Will Johnson when the Portland captain was lost with a brokenleg and the Timbers were unbeaten with Zemanski at defensive midfielder the rest of the season. Former Timbers defender Pa ModouKah, starting alongside Kendall Waston in the back line ofa 4-2-3-1 formation, headed home a feed from former Sounder Mauro Rosales for the game’s onlygoal five minutes after Zemanski injury’s. He is the eighth Whitecap to net a goal this month in what was a preseason game in name only; Timbers Rodney Wallace and Liam Ridgewell were sent offwith second cautions as both teams took this game like they do any other Cascadia Cup clash: Seriously. The match drew 15,491 fans at Providence Park.

SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING

Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.

  • Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
  • Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
  • Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
  • Cancel anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in here.

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.