The Vancouver Whitecaps secured their place in the MLS playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids as they edged out the Portland Timbers to the final post-season spot in the Western Conference.

The home side went close in the early stages when Mauro Rosales and Pedro Morales combined on the edge of the area, but Morales poked his effort just wide of the post.

Sebastian Fernandez almost gave his side the lead when he weaved his way past two defenders into the box, but Clint Irwin rushed out of his goal to narrow the angle to make a crucial block for the Rapids.

Charles Eloundou almost fired Colorado ahead on the stroke of half time as he raided down the left and cut inside onto his right foot. He then struck a powerful drive at goal, which was well saved by David Ousted, who tipped the shot past the post.

The Whitecaps had an excellent chance to double their lead when Morales released the run of Erik Hurtado down the middle, but his low shot from inside the box was well saved by Irwin with his feet.

Vancouver scored their vital goal in the 70th minute when Kendall Waston beat his marker and rose highest in the area to head a Rosales corner past Irwin into the net.

The Rapids made a late surge to find a leveller as Gabriel Torres latched onto a loose ball outside the box, and his powerful half-volley looked destined for the bottom corner before Ousted made the stop.

Vancouver managed to see out their victory, which was enough to book their place in the playoffs at the expense of the Timbers.