With the state of competition increasing in every match for all squads in Major League Soccer, yesterday’s match in Saint Paul colossus, Allianz Field, having all the elements of a contest.
The Portland Timbers in the past not so successful in Twin Cities, the outlook for this game was not to be an easy affair for both sides, but instead turn out to be a very dull match.
For the Portland Timbers positive streak highlighting it with notable wins on the road as well those coming for teams well placed above the red line and touted among as top contenders.
However, the way the Loons are playing in this season, one amazing football and with a positive turnaround edging closer to their first postseason since their debut in league play.
Still this match had a one sided twist when the game official became very one sided to the home team calling fouls over the Timber players and not many calls against the Loons.
On a play that game referee became indifferent when Loons defender Michael Boxall push Sebastian Blanco, he just went directly to Diego Chara and show him the yellow card, instead of solving the problem on the other end.
With neither team taking the initiative or dominating in the course of the match, somehow the Timbers had a number of opportunities that for sure would wrap up this match early, especially that shoot in the 78′ by Brian Fernandez hitting the post.
In a game that a scoreless draw would suited fine to the visiting Portland side, in the ending minutes, somehow the Loons call for an apparent hand ball by Timbers Larry’s Mabiala inside the area.
As referee Chris Pence through VAR decided to award a penal in favor of the locals.
Ethan Finley in the 90+2 minute was to take the kick that Steve Clark guessed the trajectory of the ball but he couldn’t stopped the ball and the Loons just needed to defend their lead with a few minutes on the clock.
As this win for sure uplifts the spirits of the Minnesota United before their semifinal match of the U.S. Open Cup, against the Portland Timbers, in a match considered in the end crucial for both teams.
In the end, this match was one sided for the home team.
Goals
Ethan Finlay 90+2 MU
Highlights
Giovanni Savarese has found his prime backfield in Moreira, Mabiala, Cascante and Villafaña
The team had a number of clear opportunities to wrap it up,but fell short of the objective
Steve Clark again had a grand match and almost earning a clean sheet
Sebastian Blanco and Diego Chara hard work being shadowed by a ridiculous and one sided ref
Jeremy Ebobisse coming in as a sub almost paid off with a couple a couple of near goal plays
Man of the Match
The defensive backfield of Moreira, Mabiala, Cascante and Villafaña
Next Match: Portland Timbers (9,9,4, 31 points) vs Minnesota United (11, 7, 5, 38 points)
U.S. Open Cup, Allianz Field, Saint Paul, Minnesota 5:00 PM PST/ 8:00 PM EST
Hey Congress, Do something now, End Gun Violence! Alejandro Bedoya- Philadelphia Union
