Former Timber Maxi Urruti was too much for Portland on Saturday as the striker’s first half brace handed FC Dallas a 2-1 victory.
Despite an open and even beginning to the match, FC Dallas’s preparedness and quality became evident. Portland’s sloppiness in possession and diffidence on defense was worsened by the relentless press of FC Dallas.
The first goal came in the 15th minute when Urruti forced Timbers’ centerback Liam Ridgewell to turn the ball over deep in his own defensive third. Winger Michael Barrios rewarded Urruti’s defense with a crucial assist on the striker’s goal. Dallas doubled their lead in the 38th minute when, after a nice bit of combination play, Barrios again found Urruti and in turn Urruti found the back of the net.
The second half saw wholesale changes to Dallas’s lineup and better opportunities for the Timbers. Portland made two changes to begin the half: bringing on Vytas for Marco Farfan and Cristhian Paredes for David Guzman. These changes and Dallas replacing their entire lineup helped Portland settle into the match.
The Timbers had a real opportunity in the 53rd minute to halve Dallas’s lead after Asprilla was fouled at the top of the 18-yard box. Diego Valeri, however, sent the ensuing free kick over the bar. In the 58th Portland had another chance when Sebastian Blanco was in behind the backline but could not find Fenando Adi with the cross.
Newly acquired Samuel Armenteros was brought on in the 66th minute. The striker made a near immediate impact, scoring in the 70th minute after Diego Valeri played him in on a slip ball behind the Dallas backline.
Armenteros appearance brought not only an increased attacking threat, but also some of new manager Gio Savarese’s much alluded to tactical variance. The introduction of a second forward saw the Timbers switch from the familiar 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 diamond. Whether Portland’s improved performance was a result of the change in form or the mass substitutions of the friendly is uncertain.
The remainder of the match saw several marginal chances for both sides, as well as continued substitutions as both teams build fitness for the upcoming season.
The Timbers nearly found a leveler at the death, but late substitute Jeremy Ebobisse was unable to direct Vytas’s cross on frame.
The Timbers continue their preseason on Wednesday against the New York Red Bulls in the Mobile Mini Sun Cup.
FC Dallas
Portland
