Whitecaps tie Timbers, clinch playoff berth [Video]

It wasn’t the way the Vancouver Whitecaps wanted to clinch a playoff spot.

The Whitecaps got an early goal from attacker Brian White but missed a couple of scoring chances late in the game to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers on Saturday night that assured them a spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs.

White opened the scoring in the third minute. Early in the second half he bounced a shot off the post. Midfielder Andres Cubas also hit a post in extra time.

“I think we’re a little disappointed not to come away with three points,” said White, who scored his 15th goal of the season, tying the career high he set last year. “We hit the post twice in the second half.

“We’ll take the point, we’ll move forward, but I think we’re disappointed.”

Portland’s Jonathan Rodriguez tied the match in the 44th minute. …