Portland Timbers 2, Montreal Impact 2
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
After a sluggish first half were the Portland Timbers defense lack of organization and all around alertness, these were victims of a creative and well-planned offensive attack staged by the Montreal Impact.
With both squads after league resume this weekend in various fronts, the Portland Timbers running a whooping twelve games with perfection and the Montreal Impact is doing their part with a positive streak.
This match had all the elements of seeing an all-around battle or clash of two titans and both looking forward to continue their runs with perfection, as the local Timbers looking for lucky thirteen as well the Impact looking to add points to their cause.
This was to be a much-leveled match as both squads having participated in cup competition in midweek, the outcome of this match was to be a much-contested one!
As the Portland Timbers playing as local and so far in the campaign at home are displaying an excellent record, this was put in peril with these Le Gars were looking forward for an away win as well deliver an upset over the Timbers.
As the aims of Remy Garde and his Gars was to stop the undefeated run of the Rose City squad and doing at home would be a boost to their confidence after a slow start and now above the red line after a recovery in the campaign.
Still facing one of the most improved of defenses in the league as well, the sole responsible for the PTFC run with perfection, by repeating its fearsome foursome with Alvas Powell and Zarek Valentin in the wings and in center backs Larry’s Mabiala and Julio Cascante.
Unfortunately, the backfield of Portland suffered dearly in the first half-lacking creativity and organization to stop several of Montreal counters that almost beat them twice, showing off signs of fatigue.
The opening score for the visitors was immediate in the 23 minute, catching the Portland defense off guard. As sloppy defending allowed a tenacious Alejandro Silva. As the play became the first score of the match via Saphir Taider. In this play, Portland Julio Cascante tried to stop Silva and tumbling to the ground the Impact player finish the play leaving the whole Portland defense astonished.
In spite of the Montreal dominance, the Timbers 11 had some initiative and determination. After a play that Alva’s Powell started in the right side, sending a center that was head out and Paredes kick sent a ball in the air and to the hands of Evan Bush.
As many thought the play was over, the Montréal keeper let go of the ball and Armenteros scoring in the confusion in the 39’.
Still this half was to belong to a hardened playing Montreal Impact. Once again catching the Portland defense off guard with a long kick from Ignacio Piatti to Matteo Mancuso who score the second goal of the evening in the 41’. With the first half ending, everyone was looking forward to a contested second half.
For both Montréal and Portland squads coming from midweek activities, the effects of fatigue were very visible. As every minute passed by the City of Mary, squad players were showing very tired and here the Timbers needed to counter.
As the second half became all in Portland favor and with several tries to socre and put this game away, taking advantage of the clear signs of tiredness of the whole Impact initial eleven and despite some substitutions, Portland had the opportunity to tie the match.
With a score in the 65’ minute, Diego Valeri scoring the equalizer in another play that Montréal keeper Evan Bush let goes of the ball for the Andean to seal the deal and despite protests from the whole visiting squad. The play stood and earned their manager Remi Garde an expulsion and on VAR evaluation.
Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Craig Mitchelldyer Photography 2018
Photos Credit and Property of © 2018 Major League Soccer
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