By Matt Hoffman
Behind two set piece goals and an incredible screamer of a volley by Dairon Asprilla, the Portland Timbers beat FC Dallas in Game 1 of the home-and-home series. The conclusion of the match will transpire on Sunday.
With the 3-1 win over FC Dallas, the Portland Timbers are in the Driver’s Seat needing only a win, draw or a narrow (one goal or less) loss to advance to the MLS Cup.
Given the prolonged rest (there were no games last week on account of it being a FIFA break) and the temperatures hovering just north of freezing, the pace of the affair was feverish with both teams only to happy to launch forward with numbers following an turnover.
The Timbers found three goals from three unlikely sources. Besides Asprilla who scored his second goal as a Timber, the Timbers got two goals from its central defenders: Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers.
Having studied film of FC Dallas, there were tendencies Porter said could be exploited he mentioned in his post-game remarks. In both instances, Dallas was unable to clear the ball in a corner kick situation and Ridgewell and Borchers, respectively, were able to shed their markers.
Ridgewell left the match under a precautionary measure. In his remarks Porter revealed that Ridgewell is having issues with his calf muscle. The team will continue to monitor the situation. Porter reiterated the team’s confidence in Noberto Papparatto to play at center-back should Ridgewell be unable to perform.
Despite giving up an away goal to Dallas, the Timbers still do have a two goal lead in the series which is set to resume next Sunday.
