Photo Credit Portland Timbers FC
I don’t doubt after this game saving play by the Portland Timbers midfielder and game hero Santiago Moreno, that he will repeat again on MLS Team of the Week after his timely goal with just seconds left in the clock that salvaged a very valuable point for the Rose City side and near sealing their pass into the playoffs with just two games left in the season.
Another collapse for the Columbus Crew in stoppage time and surrendering what could have been a much-needed win and almost securing a spot in the postseason with the levels of frustration increasing from manager Caleb Porter said it all in the sidelines!
Yes, call him frustrated as the man saw how his team dominated the first half over a Portland side almost overwhelmed by the Crew push and hunger to come with a win that in the end escaped from their clasps.
With a 62-38 possession as well outshouting the Timbers 9-3, the Crew really were too dominant over the visitors, despite a number of would be shots at goal by their top striker Cucho Hernandez in both halves.
However, the Portland Timbers they put on a gem of a defensive game in both halves, but a lapse is what gave Kevin Molino the advantage over a tense Dairon Aspirilla who didn’t have any defensive support.
Despite the defensive lock down and dominance by the local Crew, the Timbers had some opportunities in the 29th minute Dairon Aspirilla was feed from Sebastian Blanco missing a clear goal opportunity.
Still, the Timbers had a couple of missed opportunities with Dairon Aspirilla missing a long shot in the 39th minutes and later Yimmi Chara in the 44th from a nice pass from Sebastian Blanco.
As the second half started, Portland stepped up its game and urgency to at least salvage a draw after they had a tough first half containing the likes of the Crew attacks.s.
It was certainly the second half when the Timbers come out strong and they showed it as well for Gio making a number of substitutions making his debut Juan Mosquera for Larrys Mabiala in the 82nd minute.
Adding up to the attack the likes of Marvin Loria for Yimmi Chara and Cristhian Paredes for Eryk Williamson. Another addition came in the 88th minute as Gio wanted to add some power to the attack when he brought in forward Nathan Fogaça for Diego Chara.
In the end, the stage was set for Santiago Moreno to deliver a nice play in the 95th minute when he fought his way to the area and sending a 20-yard shoot past Crew goalkeeper Eloy Room for the equalizer.
Goals
Kevin Molino 36’ CLB, Santiago Moreno 95’ PTFC
Man of the Match
Santiago Moreno
Next Match: Sunday October 2, 2022 at 12:00 PM PST at Providence Park against LAFC
Portland Timbers
Columbus Crew
