No rematch in Providence Park for the Portland Timbers, with the defending champions Atlanta United in town, these came ready to play, displaying more organization in its game.
Contrary to the Portland Timbers, after the early minutes, and later in the course of the game showing some initiative with its play makers in Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco and Brian Fernandez.
For Portland in the course of the match, they had the initiative as well created a good number of opportunities but in the end these came short of their objectives.
However, the Rose City side, unfortunately lacked organization, creativity, energy and ideas.
That after a first half seeing a total dominance from the visitors, playing with a lot of confidence and inspiration after that win in midweek over one of Mexico’s elite teams in the newly created Campeones Cup.
Atlanta United took control of the whole match and putting a successful defensive shield over the Timbers top play makers, not allowing the Rose City side to display its game.
As the United side in the course of the evening had the best fortunes going in their favor, with Brad Guzan making game saving stops, on what could been near goals as well seeing three goals scores from Brian Fernandez disallowed because of off-sides.
This match took a twist in the early minutes when Atlanta United defender Leandro Gonzales Pirez on a strange play and rebound put his Five Stripes up on the scoreboard in the 14′ minute.
The United side had its frustrations in the end of the first half when Ezequiel Barco could extend the lead and Pity Martinez in a close play inside the area claiming a penalty and but the official of the match decided no Video Review.
In the end Atlanta United went into the attack and not even 45 seconds of the second half passed by, when Julian Gressel sent a beautiful pass to Josef Martinez who sent a beautiful shoot to score the go ahead goal.
With his 21st of the season, this became the game winner and seeing his United side never looking back in what seemed to be a valuable win that catapults them atop the Eastern Conference.
For the Timbers these are still in seventh place and above the red line and with another important match this Friday night in another epic showdown in the Cascadia Derby against Seattle Sounders.
Still not everything was a total loss for the Portland Timbers as every match and a loss is a learning experience and readies them for any upcoming challenges in the remaining of the season.
Goals
Leandro Gonzalez Pirez 14′ AU, Josef Martinez 46′ AU
Highlights
Diego Chara is one amazing player defending and attacking
Brian Fernandez three goals disallowed due to off sides, that could been the difference
The Portland Timbers had momentum to comeback but in need of more creativity
Steve Clark raising to the occasion but the man is not a divine figure to stop it all
Fatigue is evidently causing some troubles in the Portland Timbers players and game
Man of the Match
Diego Chara
Next Match: Portland Timbers (11, 10, 4, 37 points) vs Seattle Sounders (11, 8, 7, 40 points)
Friday, August 23, 2019 Providence Park, 7:00 PM PST/ 10:00 PM EST
