Losing is never a
beautiful sight, before coming to this match, the Portland Timbers were after
all the defending champions and overall favorites to have a grand day at Avaya
Stadium.
How the tables turn
as the PTFC did not foresee how a San Jose squad playing at home has always
been a tough client to encounter when its offense gets going on a strong run.
Seeing a victorious
PTFC doing a repeat of last year final with the Columbus Crew and showing off a
fighting stance minute per minute, they were aware of their host’s resilience
on opening day against a renewed Colorado Rapids.
Still for Caleb
Porter, sorting an injury plagued roster with many injuries and today’s match with
a new formation in his backfield after a hurtful loss in his defense Captain
Liam Ridgewell.
For the Portland
Timbers it was business as usual and despite coming with a slight advantage,
they were aware of the playing difficulties on the field and the ref especially.
The Cheesmaster Caleb
Porter put in his lineup two faces in Zarek Valentin in the left and in Ridgewell
spot putting Jermaine Taylor for his second start since becoming a Portland
Timber.
For the Timbers, one
player that was not on their side all afternoon long was Lady Luck, being present
in every play, but for the home squad, after, many attempts in its David
Bingham goal.
The Timbers saw their
fortunes dwindle all afternoon long but for the bad.
I mean with a couple
of shoots one from Lucas Melano and the other by Diego Chara both of these
hitting the post and saving the day for Bingham and his Quakes of a possible
goal fest from the visitors.
Another negative was
the state of the field, with rains lately hitting all over California and this
region, for the Portland Manager Caleb Porter was one of the reasons their game
was not as spectacular and dynamic.
Seeing how the locals
and with a hot streaked Chris Wondolowski who beat Jermaine Taylor inside the
area to net the first score in the 30th minute and opening the
lead to the joy of the Quakes fans at
Avaya Stadium.
Then after just
fifteen minutes passed by, came a play with Quincy Amarikwa all alone, who took
sole possession and drove from all the way from midfield and speeding away from
The Timbers midfielder Diego Chara to net the second goal of the match.
Giving the Quakes a
commanding 2-0 lead before intermission and seeing their fortunes for their
best as the PTFC attack so far was neutralized and alone being in their side
many positives.
For the Portland Boys
one thing they known for is not giving up so easily, alone their Boss Caleb
Porter working his magic and making key moves in Jack McInerney for Dairon
Aspirilla and Ned Grabavoy for Zarek Valentin.
The strategy turned
up to be efficient and accurate, as in the 87th minute, Mcinerney
showed off his talents and hunger as well to score the lone goal for the
Timbers, one that came too late and one short for the draw.
The unfortunate side
for the PTFC is the injury that sidelines their defensive leader in Liam
Ridgewell from four to six weeks and here Manager Porter will indeed be in the
task of making his moves in the lineup.
Next game played at
home against Real Salt Lake in what this is a challenge for the Portland
Timbers with a growing list of key players sidelined, here is when reality
strikes and back to the drawing board for the Timbers Boss.
Post Contents and Property of Fern
Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Crest Credit and Property of
Portland Timbers Football Club 2016
Photos
Credit and Property of © Craig Mitcheldyer and Major League Soccer 2016
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