By starting in his first MLS match the man is looking to be the Timbers difference maker.
For Brian Fernandez scoring a double on his first start, it looks like we are bracing for an amazing season the Andean is about to offer us.
Being responsible for last week draw against Houston, by scoring his first goal as a Portland Timber, on last Saturday game he showed off his scoring abilities.
No wonder he caught the attention of the Portland Timbers directives.
In spite of being one of the most the expensive transfers in the history of the Rose City squad, it looks like every cent paid for his transfer was well worth it.
Coming to Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, the Portland Timbers (4,6,2, 14 points) were labeled as underdogs for this match. Facing off a hardened Philadelphia Union (7,4,3, 24 points) and displaying an amazing season, being atop the Eastern Conference, this match considered not an easy one.
Still for the Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese always bold in his moves in his initial eleven, the man switch to his traditional 4-3-2-1 and this time it delivered for him wonders.
One by seeing a united team in the field as well displaying a new offensive might as well in his defensive game steeping up when it mattered the most, delivering an upset.
In spite of the local Union side being a bit dominant with more possession with the ball, in the end the Portland Timbers had the edge by displaying all game long an intelligent game.
With a brilliant first half when the Portland Timbers sentenced the match with a double from their new playmaker scoring in the 31′ and 36′ minutes going to the half with a commanding lead.
However the Union started a rally and with a shot by Kacper Przybylko in the 47′ minute and seeing a dominance by the U in the second half in the end the Timbers defense delivered big!
To conclude the Portland Timbers scored the third and final goal that became the cushion in the 87′ minute by El Maestro Diego Valeri to seal the win and close with style their long road stand.
Goals
Brian Fernandez 31′ PT, Brian Fernandez 36′ PT, Kacper Przybylko 47′ PU, Diego Valeri 87′ PT
Highlights
Brian Fernandez double being the game winner
Steve Clark becoming the indisputable starter against Philly making a whooping five saves and preventing in a couple of those in what could become the game winner.
Diego Chara, Sebastian Blanco and Diego Valeri once again being the Timbers top play-makers.
For manager Giovanni Savarese bold moves in his initial eleven paid off highly with a valuable win on the road and giving his squad a class act win on the road before their home opener.
Kudos for the Portland Timbers defense, with Jorge Villafaña and Zarek Valentin making the difference in the starting eleven along with Bill Tuiloma and Larry’s Mabiala.
Man of the Match
Brian Fernandez
Next Match Portland Timbers (4,6,2, 14 points) vs LAFC (10,1,4,34 points)
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon Saturday June 1, 2019 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Picture credits and property of Charlotte Thomas
