Cascadia Derby Head-to-Head | Portland Timbers vs Vancouver Whitecaps History and Stats

Introduction to derby

The Cascadia Derby between the Portland Timbers i Vancouver Whitecaps is one of the longest and most emotionally charged rivalries in American football. Rooted in the shared soccer culture of the Pacific Northwest, the game dates back to the NASL era of the 1970s and
it has evolved across multiple leagues, borders and generations. Whether played in Portland or Vancouver, the derby is defined by a traveling support, intense atmospheres, physical midfield battles and a lingering memory of past slights, making each meeting feel heavier than a standard league game.

All-time head-to-head record

In all recognized competitive eras and competitions, Portland
wood i Vancouver
white heads they have known each other for more than a century, sometimes mirroring theirs
parallel stories across NASL, USL and MLS. The overall balance is maintained
remarkably tight, with a rhythm that oscillates between the second clubs
league strength and roster cycles.

The all-time totals show how even the rivalry is
state, with Vancouver holding a narrow lead in total wins. Early NASL
Vancouver’s dominance helped establish its historic advantage, while
The strong sides of Portland’s MLS era, especially in the mid-2010s, took the game
the series returns to parity. Long stretches of draws underline the frequency with which the derby
the tension has canceled out the differences in quality.

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Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)

In recent MLS seasons, the Cascadia Derby has produced
high-scoring swings, emphatic home wins and the occasional in-form deadlock
as a tactical precaution. The last ten competitive meetings illustrate the speed
control of the rivalry can change from season to season.

The recent pattern suggests a slight tilt of the site towards Vancouver,
with BC Place hosting several decisive wins for the Whitecaps, including a heavy one
playoff win. Portland’s hits have tended to be tighter and longer
controlled, often relying on midfield management rather than open exchanges.
Late goals and moments of transition have often decided these games,
reflecting the risky nature of derby football.

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Key players and rivalries by era

NASL and first professional era

The foundation of the rivalry was built in the NASL years, when
physicality and direct play defined Cascadia football. Portland trusted
strong leadership and aerial presence, while Vancouver often countered
pace and technical forwards. The figures of this era established the emotional
weight that still defines the derby today.

MLS expansion and mid-2010s peak

The MLS era brought global attention and the highest technical standards.
The art of Portland’s midfield and Vancouver’s attacking imports was created
convincing stylistic contrasts. The parties of this time were often articulated
whether Portland could control the tempo or Vancouver could break lines quickly
in transition

Modern and current era

In recent seasons, the rivalry has become more tactical
flexible, with both sides able to press high or defend in depth. squad
the rotation and congestion of the apparatus have added unpredictability, although they are designated
players continue to set up decisive moments.

Throughout the ages, one-on-one battles have often defined the derby:
Valeri against Morales in midfield control, Chara disrupting creativity
attackers, and modern confrontations between dynamic and disciplined strikers
central These duels explain why tactical confrontations often win
league position when rivals Cascadia meet.

Detailed H2H analysis

A deeper look at the head-to-head record shows a cyclical dominance
rather than sustained superiority. Vancouver’s historical avant-garde is rooted
early NASL hits and recent emphatic wins, while Portland’s strongest
periods coincide with stable training and continuity in midfield. heavy drawing
Stretches usually occur when both sides prioritize not losing the derby
expressive play, especially during congested MLS schedules.

Key statistics and performance data

The statistical trends of the Cascadia Derby stand out as context
it models outcomes rather than raw quality. Home advantage, midfield balance and
Transition efficiency repeatedly emerges as decisive factors.

• High proportion of matches decided by one goal or
  less
• Home teams tend to score first more often than the league
  stockings
• Midfield fouls and duels increase compared to standard MLS
  accessories
• Playoff meetings show wider results than the regular season
  games

Memorable matches and iconic moments

For decades, the Cascadia Derby has produced moments that live on
long in the memory of supporters, often symbolizing wider changes in regional football
power

• May 16, 1975 – First competitive meeting recorded between the
  clubs
• August 1978: NASL playoff matchups that were cemented early
  animosity
• September 21, 2014 – Portland’s home win during a pivotal MLS campaign.
• May 23, 2016 – Portland’s midseason high-scoring win
  confrontation
• November 02, 2020: A tight late-season MLS game that sets up the playoff
  routes
• October 23, 2024: Vancouver playoff win that sparked modern swagger
  rights

Evolution of the rivalry

The Cascadia Derby has evolved from an NASL regional grudge to one
Cross-Border MLS Showcase. Although the culture and atmosphere of the fans remains
constant, football itself has moved towards tactical flexibility and
team depth Expansion rules, designated players, and playoff formats have it all
influenced how Portland
wood i Vancouver
white heads we approach derby days, but the underlying intensity remains
without changes

Frequently asked questions

What is Cascadia?
Derby?

It is the long-standing rivalry between the Portland Timbers, Vancouver
white heads i Seattle
ringerswith Portland and Vancouver forming one of its cores
pairings

Who leads all time
end to end?

Vancouver
white heads maintain a small overall lead in total wins in all competitions.

When the rivalry came
start?

The first recognized competitive meeting dates back to May 1975
during the NASL era.

Playoff games are included in the
end to end?

Yes, recognized playoff games are an important part of the
history of the rivalry.

Which was the most
competitive?

The MLS expansion and mid-2010s period is widely regarded as the
more balanced

Why is home advantage important in this derby?

Atmosphere, travel and familiarity of fields in Cascadia regularly
amplify the performances at home.