In every match, Sebastian Blanco proves why he has become essential for the Portland Timbers. With minutes before the first half ended, the Andean received a pass back from Jorge Villafaña, before scoring the equalizing goal and giving his team a much-needed lifeline in the 43’.
Still, going into the second half, we expected fireworks from both sides. Perhaps Giovanni Savarese’s greatest move of the game was bringing in a rested Diego Valeri in the 65’. He responded aptly, thanks to an assist from Jaroslaw Niezgoda.
With the Portland Timbers getting the lead for the first time in the evening, the outcome of the game suddenly turned in favor of the Rose City side and continued to gain momentum as the minutes passed.
As the Portland Timbers showed far less flair and dynamite exhibited in previous matches, suddenly this team was coming alive, despite the NYCFC’s statistical dominance.
However, an early blunder committed by Larry Mabiala inside the arena in the first half over Jesus Medina evaporated the Boys in Blue’s lead, and in the end, the Timbers’ Talisman scored in the 65’.
Gio has been showing off his moves in the lineup and it’s making a difference for the team during this MLS is Back Tournament, defying the odds and now punching a ticket at semifinals.
With the lead and more moves being done in the Timbers eleven, the arrival of Andy Polo and Felipe Mora somehow injected more life into the game after demonstrating an entirely different picture in the first half, lethargic by comparison.
With a nice pass from Sebastian Blanco, a creative Andy Polo shook off one defender and shot a cannon of a shot that, despite NYCFC keeper Sean Johnson’s efforts, could not prevent the goal going back in the net.
In the end, despite the fact that NYCFC was considered the luckier side in the tournament, today was not their day and they surrendered to a fighting Portland Timbers team that never gave up in its quest to reach the coveted semifinal match.
Now the team is to ready to face off a resurgent Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.
Goals
Jesus Medina PK 27’ NYCFC, Sebastian Blanco 43 PTFC, Diego Valeri 65’ PTFC, Andy Polo 76’ PTFC
Highlights
Giovanni Savarese delivered again with all his right moves and gambles paying off
Sebastian Blanco considered one valuable and opportune player, tying the game before the end of the first half
Diego Valeri delivering the game second and go-ahead goal as a substitute
Andy Polo with just a minute in the man delivered with a beautiful goal to give the Timbers some breathing room
Eryk Williamson and Diego Chara are becoming the Timbers defensive midfield dynamic duo
Pablo Bonilla becoming a player to watch closely as today his game is showing off a lot of his talent
Kudos for the defensive backfield for withstanding the push and pressure of NYCFC
Jaroslaw Niezgoda no goals tonight but an opportune assist to Diego Valeri for the go-ahead goal
Give Marvin Loria credit for the play that Blanco finish and tied the game before the end of the first half
Praise for the second half substitutions on Diego Valeri, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Felipe Mora, Andy Polo, and Blake Bodily
Welcome to Major League Soccer Blake Bodily
Man, of the Match
Sebastian Blanco and Andy Polo
New York City FC
Portland Timbers
