To deliver an
important win at home over a tough and hardened New York Red Bulls squad,
considered as an all-around achievement after the PTFC put a nice display of
its top-notch football in the second half.
A match with both
squads playing a bit conservative and still in the early minutes of the second
half as both elevens accounted for only six
shots on goal, as both displayed a gem of a defensive game.
Once again, the
Portland Boys put on a show defensively and showed off their offensive might
with several tries to put the ball behind the nets of Luis Gonzalez who did a
marvelous job until the end.
with a near call on goal from the PTFC Darlington Nagbe shoot that hit the upper wood.
Another notable was
the performance displayed by keeper Jeff Attinella filling for Jake Gleeson and
he put a one of a kind performance as well netting a clean sheet with amazing
saves.
Still the night had
to belong to the Timbers one and only Diego Valeri their talisman when he and
Diego Chara performed a one two combination where the Colombian on the right
side of the field sent a pass that Valeri just pushed for the first score.
Sending the whole of
Providence Park into frenzy and giving a boost in the Rose City squad in its
game and in the field by playing with more confidence and showing all sorts of
determination by its players to deliver a notable win.
Coming to this match the
Red Bulls Boss Jesse Marsch, made a few changes in his initial eleven to give
some of his starters a rest after their US Open Cup match barely squeezing by
the USL Cinderella FC Cincinnati.
In addition, with its
starters and nonstarters this club is one serious foe to play against.
As the way this game
was going at times, many thought that this match was going to end in a
stalemate and both squads were going to share the points.
With every point and
match important for the Portland Timbers tonight at whatever cost they had to
deliver at least a draw and continue their permanence above the red line in the
Western conference.
For Caleb Porter
sending Roy Miller and Zarek Valentin to accompany the likes of Olum and
Mabbialas, as the Congolese shows off his might and strenght in every game
becoming with no doubt the absolute leader in the defense.
If everyone gets a
grade in the Portland, eleven they will get a seven out 10 for their one of
kind performances as well the substitutes that Caleb Porter sent in Darren
mattocks by Jeremy Ebobisse in the 58, Vytas for Sebastian Blanco and Alvas
Powell for Zarek Valentin in the 83.
As one of those right moves
done by the Cheesmaster was of Darren Mattocks as the fourth down man that with
his speed really puts the opposing team’s defenses in full alert.
Coming as a substitution
for Ebobisse who looked desperately for the goal and with several
opportunities, Mattocks speed paid off in the end when Valeri got the ball
after the Red Bulls attempting to score.
The ball fell into
Valeri feet and the Andean started a run into the Red Bulls side that
culminated with a picture perfect pass for a well-placed Mattocks and voila the
second and go ahead goal that endure the win for the Timbers.
Nothing than a good
pep talk and maturity is what the Portland Boys showed off, focusing in every
play and seriously playing without any inhibitions but pure determination and
hunger to seal this one with a win.
Now for Wednesdays match
against Colorado and time to take advantage the home field advantage to continue
adding points and setting up more solidly in the Western Conference and close
the end of this campaign with a positive.
Post Contents and Property of Fern
Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of
Portland Timbers Football Club and Craig
Mitchelldyer 2017
Photos Credit and Property of © 2017
Major League Soccer
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