Perfection continues for these hardened Portland Timbers

For squads below the red line, coming to play here in Providence Park, so far these have been a handful for the local Portland Timbers.  After last week opportune goal from Adi against Houston, once again the Timbers hosted a squad coming from a positive streak and fighting to move up the red line in the Eastern Conference. 

In spite of Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin sending several of his second string players to the field to rest his starters ahead of their US Open Cup game against Chicago Fire, his initial eleven did not display an easy game against the Rose City squad. 

With the locals missing one of their notable playmakers in their initial lineup in Sebastian Blanco, the Timbers stood their ground both defensively and offensively as in the end of the first half, these could open the score. 

With Diego Valeri, Samuel Armenteros and Andy Polo shoots missing the goal posts defended keenly by the U goalkeeper Andrew Blake having a swell defensive first half stopping in various intents the drive of the locals.

Very well seeing how his teammates playing and exercising a total dominance in the course of the whole match against the Portland squad that at times these did not allowed the Timbers to display their offensive game past half field.

In the ending minutes of the first half it’s when we saw a revival in the Portland offensive game with both Diego’s looking to start a rally and despite coming near the posts of the Philly Boys, these did not had the finishing touch.

Going into halftime with the score tied at zero goals and a start of the second half the Union strikers made their mark by sending a long shoot from midfield in their intentions to send a message to Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. 

Overall this man had another wondrous performance under the posts of the Portland Timbers, having another one of a kind night with three marvelous and opportune saves that could been fatidic for the Portland squad in the end.

 In addition to see the Portland defensive backfield sporting a three players defending with Julio Cascante, Larry’s Mabiala and Lawrence Olum. 

One more time Giovanni Savarese boldness and creativity became the highlight of this match before its start, by sending a 3-5-2 with just three defenders to protect the posts of Jeff Attinella and putting both Alvas Powell and Zarek Valentin in the wings. 

In this, match despite the insistence of the Union eleven of starting every time they had the opportunity to start an offensive drive; the Portland defense stood its ground all evening long denying them any clear opportunities. 

As the novelty in the starting Portland 11 was the return of David Guzman playing in the middle with Diego Chara and Andy Polo, the Tico was very active and showing off his hunger of making a return as a starter. 

However, this match was to become in the second half after the Union tries in the Portland side, the locals inspired by a nonstop supporters chants, suddenly they started turning this match their way and with a penalty from Union Fabinho to Alvas Powell for the PK. 

With no problem, Diego Valeri converted in the 58’ to put the home team up in the scoreboard, as later in the half in the 84-minute another foul inside the area to Diego Valeri by the Union Warren Creavalle for Dairon Aspirilla to send the Portland squad up to 2-0.

As the go ahead and insurance goal came three minutes later by a well-placed David Guzman via an assistance by Diego Valeri in the 87’ via a header and seal the deal and deliver a notable win with a defensive gem and clean sheet. 

Number 15 and perfection continues for these hardened Portland Timbers, and now looking for sweet sixteen against the Vancouver Whitecaps at home in the Cascadia Derby in Providence Park. 

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