VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. MINNESOTA UNITED FC
Providence Park | Portland
02.09.17 | MLS Preseason
7:00 p.m. CT

Minnesota United and the Vancouver Whitecaps will open the preseason tournament hosted by the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Thursday, February 9, with MNUFC looking to further build on the chemistry they began brewing in Arizona in two games against the New England Revolution and Istra 1961, a team from Croatia’s First Division.

“Couldn't have gone better for the period that we've had,” said MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath, talking about the team’s trip to Arizona. “Especially with all the different nationalities and people coming in at different times. Rasmus Schuller's only had two days with the group and then played a game, but settled in really well. Forget the results, the performances were the most important thing and I would have said that had we won the games.”

Minnesota United recently signed winger Bashkim Kadrii on loan from FC Copenhagen, and fans can expect to get their first glimpse of the 25-year-old Danish national in action in Portland.

“Bashkim is another really good attacking piece we have added to the club. He’s fit and healthy and ready for a new challenge,” said Heath. “He can play any of the forward positions, left, right and through the middle. He’s got an eye for goal and good pace and we are really excited to have him.”

MNUFC’s history with the Whitecaps stretches all the way back to when the club was called NSC Minnesota Stars. The Stars’ first ever game was against the Whitecaps on April 11, 2010, a 2-0 loss. Things got no better for them at last year’s Simple Invitational Tournament in Portland, where they lost to the Whitecaps 3-1. Expect the Loons to be out for revenge on Thursday night.