Brian White scored twice as the Vancouver Whitecaps secured a 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night, marking their third straight victory this season.
Sebastian Berhalter contributed to the win with a goal and an assist, helping White score his first goal. The Whitecaps, now unbeaten at 3-0-0 with 9 points, played their only away match until early May.
Tristan Blackmon also scored, assisted by Berhalter. Vancouver has now won three consecutive matches against Portland, dominating with a combined score of 13-2 in those games.
Portland’s rookie Eric Izoita scored a goal in his MLS debut but couldn’t change the outcome. The Timbers, now at 1-2-0 with 3 points, have allowed two or more goals in six straight matches dating back to last season’s playoffs.
White, who has tallied at least 15 goals in his past three seasons, aims for even more this year, especially with support from German World Cup winner Thomas Muller and skilled crosser Berhalter.
White’s first goal came in the 21st minute. After Edier Ocampo made a run into the penalty area, he passed back to Berhalter, who delivered a cross that White volleyed home.
White’s second goal came during a counter-attack set up by Kenji Cabrera, sealing the game at 4-1.
Berhalter nearly had another assist in the 49th minute, but Blackmon’s powerful volley hit the post and went in off his face, resulting in a goal but no assist.
Berhalter scored his goal in the 63rd minute, extending the lead to three. Izoita’s late goal in the 72nd minute provided a brief lift for Portland with a powerful shot from outside the box that found the top-right corner.