Looks like Minnesota United has the Portland Timbers number, in a span of four days the Rose City side has endured back to back losses to the Loons in Allianz Field. Not bad for a team entering into its third season in Major League Soccer and playing its first ever final in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after forcing the Timbers out of its semifinals.
With a rival already in place for the Loons to face off Atlanta United on August 27 at Mercedes- Benz Stadium, both sides will be looking for their first title in the USOC. As the United side in this 2019, it looks like this is becoming a first as they are to play on a major tournament in US professional soccer as well heading into their first trip to a postseason.
On a match, overall was not an easy one for both sides, after the home side opened the score with another penalty kick awarded for a clear handball inside the area by by Timbers defender Claude Dielna. The penalty kick was taken by Loons Darwin Quintero, scoring the opening goal on the 22′ minute, still for these Portland Timbers they never gave up in the course of the game.
I do give an A for its efforts to Giovanni Savarese side but these Loons were ready!
When the Timbers finally broke the defensive block the locals put on them and with Brian Fernandez tying the game on the 45+2, thanks to an opportune play and assist from a pass from Jeremy Ebobisse. As these Portland Timbers never quit in their intents of tying and winning this game, this team is one proud entity that in the end came short of its objective, after the Loons game winner.
A long ball from Loons midfielder Kevin Molino to Mason Toye in the end proved to be the game winner in the 64′ minute, as manager Adrian Heath strategies worked wonders in the remainder of the game. Among one of those players raising to the occasion for the second time these two teams played in the course of four days, was goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
After making a number of crucial saves from a number of shoots that the Timbers had all evening long and could turn this game in favor for the Rose City side. Once again the Portland Timbers, couldn’t achieve their objective to reach the finals of the USOC and face off in another consecutive final the likes of other finalist Atlanta United, seen as a rematch from last year league final.
Goals
Darwin Quintero 22′ PK MU, Brian Fernandez 45+2 PT, Mason Toye 64′ MU
Highlights
Brian Fernandez score before the end of the first half to tie the game at one goal
Jeremy Ebobisse becoming a vital part of the Timbers attack as a midfielder
Sebastian Blanco efforts at goal
Diego Chara with another amazing game
Man of the Match
Brian Fernandez
