VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Caleb Porter spent the last few days trying to patch together a lineup with injuries, suspensions and international duty ravaging his roster.
At the final whistle Sunday, the Portland Timbers coach pumped a jubilant and relieved fist in celebration before hugging his assistants — a reaction not usually seen after a July match in Major League Soccer.
Sebastian Blanco scored early in the second half and the Timbers beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 to snap a six-game winless streak.
Portland dressed just 16 players instead of the usual 18, with Porter having to call up two members of the club’s USL affiliate to fill out his bench.