Teamwork wins games, as the Portland Timbers proved after they dominated a momentum stricken LA Galaxy at Providence Park. Zlatan Ibrahimovic being in the starting lineup made no difference, as he was completely shutdown by the effective Timbers defender, Julio Cascante.
For this match, the Portland Timbers had all the right moves, especially in their defensive backfield. With Jorge Moreira, Larry’s Mabiala, Julio Cascante and Jorge Villafaña, limiting the Galacticos attack. As Giovanni Savarese bold moves once again paid off with his starting eleven.
The first punch of the game came from the Timbers in the 37′ minute with a Cristhian Paredes header, inside the area, from a Jorge Moriera cross for the game’s first goal.
However, not even four minutes would pass before the Portland Timbers took advantage over a frustrated LA Galaxy, with a phenomenal finish by El Maestro Diego Valeri in the 41′ minute, extending the Portland lead to 2-0.
So far, the Rose City side was exposing a very blunt and inoperative Galaxy defensive game, putting on the field a very dynamic game all evening long.
At the start of the second half, many thought their may be a Galaxy revival. However, the Timbers continued their mastery over the visitors who were not able to play the game they are known for, as they were overpowered by an inspired Timbers eleven.
In the 74′ minute the Galaxy via Zlatan passed to a wide open Uriel Antuna near goal. Here came the heroics of Steve Clark who made an amazing save to deny the visitors, in what could been the honor goal.
Still this affair was not over for the Timbers, looking eager to score the cushion goal. They found it, again with Cristhian Paredes, who got his second goal in the 81′ minute.
With the score 3-0, this match was out of reach for the Angelinos.
In the end, for a squad filled with a number of stellar players, in Providence Park they experience the game of a more disciplined and organized Portland Timbers.
For Portland they were to see a fourth goal from another header, this time from Jeremy Ebobisse in the 88′ minute, to seal a rout over a heavily favored Los Angeles Galaxy.
As manager Giovanni Savarese praised his team’s sacrifice and hard work paying off big.
Highlights
- Cristhian Paredes brace in the 37′ and 81′
- Renzo Zambrano and Cristhian Paredes – a dynamic duo in the midfield
- Diego Valeri amazing build-up for Portland’s second goal
- Moreira, Mabiala, Cascante, Villafaña shutting down the Galaxy
- Julio Cascante shuting down Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Steve Clark whooping six saves and denying Uriel Antuna of a clear goal
- Giovanni Savarese paving this team’s future, giving opportunities to young players
- Jeremy Ebobisse sealing the deal with his seventh goal of the season
- Teamwork
Goals
Cristhian Paredes 37′ (Timbers)
Diego Valeri 41′ (Timbers)
Cristhian Paredes 81′ (Timbers)
Jeremy Ebobisse 88′ (Timbers)
Man of the Match
Cristhian Paredes brace
