Familiar foes faced off in a new scenario as the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps met in the first ever playoff clash between the Cascadia rivals.

Showing no weariness from their breathtaking shoot-out win against Sporting Kansas City on Thursday, the surprisingly energetic Timbers were denied a lead going into next week’s leg in Vancouver thanks to a commanding performance by David Ousted and cruel betrayal from the goal post which helped them into the semis

Here are my thoughts on the game:

PORTLAND HAD SOMETHING LEFT IN THE TANK

For a side that went through a 120-minute, 22-penalty marathon of a match three days prior, Portland didn’t show any signs of fatigue. In fact, they seemed the most likely side to score up till the final whistle.

In the first half the Timbers edged the possession in a tetchy battle in the midfield. With cautious build-up from both sides, attempts to rush into the attacking third were sharp, fleeting and met capably by the defensive-lines.

The major change to Portland’s starting XI was in goal. Backup goalkeeper Jake Gleeson replaced the flu-ridden Adam Kwarasey, who scored the winning penalty to get his side to the semifinals. The Timbers Army seemed to do a better job of adjusting to the swap than Vancouver did, with the Canadian side never really troubling Gleeson.

Since Kwarasey isn't playing, Timbers Army was smart enough to add a "next week" banner to their tifo... #RCTID pic.twitter.com/Ij2DUy6ukE

— Jamie Goldberg (@Jamiebgoldberg) November 1, 2015

Vancouver failed to win its last four regular season away games, losing three and drawing one. It seems this road-funk followed the team into the post season.

OUTSTANDING OUSTEAD

Whitecaps ‘keeper David Ousted was the standout player of the second half and the main reason that Vancouver will host the second leg on a level score-line. In the 54th minute he stepped forward to get a vital touch on Fanendo Adi’s effort from an Alvas Powell cross, with Kendall Watson clearing the loose ball.

Then in the 71st minute Ousted produced a spectacular diving save to palm away Diego Valeri sweetly curled free kick.

The Dane made six saves overall in the game.

VANCOUVER SHOULD COUNT THEMSELVES FORTUNATE

Ousted was finally beaten in the 89th minute by Maximiliano Urruti, who along with Jorge Asprilla reinvigorated Portland’s attack when they were subbed in. Urruti’s low shot from pinged off of the inside of the right-hand post, denying the Argentinian a second-straight late goal in the post season. It seems that the uprights weren’t with the Timbers this week.

Though the Whitecaps failed to take advantage of its fatigued opponent, the side should feel better with the draw.

Pedro Morales was able to come off the bench and pick up some valuable minutes and should add some much-needed midfield creativity in next week’s decider. Vancouver’s captain has struggled with injury for much of the season and missed the side’s last three matches.

Portland’s squad will be well-rested and seeking to extend its recent good road form: The Timbers have won their last three away games, scoring eight.

Nick Kariuki writes both the ASN Injury Report and the MLS Roundup. Follow him on Twitter.