Whitecaps 1, Timbers 1: Brian White’s late goal extends unbeaten streak

White deflected in a Sebastian Berhalter shot in the 88th minute for his 15th MLS goal of the season

The Canadian Press

Jim Morris

Published Sep 24, 2025 • Last updated 6 hours ago • 2 minute read

Portland Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis, right, reacts after allowing a goal to Vancouver Whitecaps’ Brian White (24) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Photo by Darryl Dyck /THE CANADIAN PRESS

Vancouver forward Brian White scored late to secure a 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers, extending the Whitecaps’ unbeaten streak to seven games in Major League Soccer play Wednesday night.

White entered as a second-half substitute after missing the last three matches across all competitions with a hamstring injury.

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He deflected in a Sebastian Berhalter shot in the 88th minute for his 15th MLS goal of the season. The crowd of 20,212 at B.C. Place Stadium was on its feet when forward Emmanuel Sabbi hit the crossbar in extra time.

Portland left back Kamal Miller scored in the 39th minute on a shot from distance that found the top corner of the net.

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It was the first goal the Whitecaps had given up in 325 minutes of play across all competitions.

It also meant goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka would have to wait to set a new team record for clean sheets in a season. He is currently tied with former Whitecap David Ousted with 13.

The Whitecaps (16-6-8) remain second in the MLS Western Conference with 56 points, one back of San Diego. Vancouver is 5-0-3 in its last eight matches across all competitions.

Portland (11-10-10) remains seventh in the West with 43 points. The Timbers are 1-3-3 in their last seven MLS games.

Thomas Muller, the former FC Bayern Munich superstar who signed with the Whitecaps in August, missed his second consecutive MLS match with an adductor injury. The 36-year-old has four goals in three MLS games, including a hat trick. He also has an assist.

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Portland had the Whitecaps on their backfoot early, outshooting Vancouver 7-0 in the first 16 minutes.

Takaoka stopped right-winger Kristoffer Velde twice in the first five minutes. In the 11th minute, Velde banged a shot off the post on a breakaway. Takaoka then blocked a shot from right back Ian Smith and midfielder Matias Rojas, before stopping Velde on a couple more chances.

Takaoka was tested again in the 36th minute, getting a hand on a header from forward Kevin Kelsey and sending it over top of the net.

Vancouver Whitecaps' goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka makes a save off a corner kick during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Portland Timbers, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. — Vancouver Whitecaps’ goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka makes a save off a corner kick during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Portland Timbers, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Photo by Darryl Dyck /THE CANADIAN PRESS

Down 1-0 to begin the second half, the Whitecaps began buzzing around the Timbers net. Centre back Mathias Laborda sent a header just wide of the bottom corner of the net in the 53rd minute.

NOTES: The Whitecaps had no shots on goal in the first half. … Vancouver has already broken the team record of 53 points in a season, set in 2015. … Ousted had 13 shutouts for the Whitecaps in both 2014 and 2015.

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The Whitecaps play in Seattle on Saturday.

The Timbers return to face FC Dallas at home Saturday.