Portland Timbers 2, Seattle Sounders 1
After being down in the canvas and tailing by one goal early in the match. Suddenly these turned the tables around their arch-rivals staging dominance in the initial minutes. Whenever the Timbers and Sounders play one another, we know the intensity these matches unleash.
As these rivalry in all of Major League Soccer is seen a one unique for its high levels of a contest. After all the Seattle Sounders this time they came all rested and ready to repeat their August showdown result. Since the start of this match for manager, Brian Schmetzer and his Sounders started putting a lot of pressure on the Timbers backfield.
As all of a sudden, the strategy worked wonders for the Rave Greens Boss. Not before on a play when Jeff Attinella tackled Cristian Roldan inside the area. This play put under VAR review as the Sounders claimed for a penalty and in the end. The result was a corner kick to Schmetzer dismay.
However, the pressure really caught the Timbers defense off guard. As Victor Rodriguez managed to get a pass towards Cristian Roldan on the right side to beat the mark of Bill Tuiloma and Liam Ridgewell being, shake off by Raul Ruidiaz 10’ minute to score the game first goal.
As the Rave Greens, early goal left shortly the whole of Providence Park in silence but not for long. As the Timbers started making their way pass the midfield so did the Sounder’s roughing several of the local’s players. As the visitors seeing the impossibility and momentum the locals possess.
Still the rough game and the tantrum generated by Seattle Nico Lodeiro towards some of the Timbers players were enough to contain the Rose City drive. Do not call these Timbers quitters, as these know how to wrap things up and with style.
For many of us are aware of seeing one of the most celebrated of rivalries in all Major League Soccer.
With El Maestro Diego Valeri hard at work and aware of being carefully, watch by the Sounders defense. He put his skills hard at work with a nice filtered pass to a wide-open Jeremy Ebobisse. After Diego Chara intercepts a ball in the middle of the field and passes it to Diego Valeri, he filters a pass from out of reach of Sounders defender Kim Hee-hee for Jebo score in the 17’.
This goal came seven minutes later and the score tied at one goal apiece. This contest was far from over but starting to get better and amazingly exciting as every minute pass. Still for the Portland, side ability to counter and even the score.
Moreover, there still more from these Portland Timbers. Starting with El Maestro, play to goal and interrupted, in the rebound, and despite one of the Sounders defenders tries to stop Sebastian Blanco. The Andean with his classic finish, class and style puts the go ahead and winning goal in the nets in the 29’ minute.
In spite of seeing a Sounder’s revival in the second half, once again the Portland defense stood its ground for the win. With the second leg to be, play in Century Link Stadium in Seattle and a lead of a single goal. Many ask themselves if history will repeat again with another sweep of the Portland Timbers in the Postseason over the Seattle Sounders.
If you recall back in 2013 the Portland Boys upset the Emerald City side as well having a 3-0 record in the postseason over their archrivals. Can Portland seal the deal up north come this Thursday, November 8?
Goals
Raul Ruidiaz 10’ SSFC, Jeremy Ebobisse 17’ PTFC, Sebastian Blanco 29’ PTFC
Highlight of the Match
For the Portland Timbers initial eleven, playing a wondrous football lately and looking worthy candidates to be in their conference and league finals.
To both Mr. October Diego Valeri who gets a second air in the postseason and for Sebastian Blanco being an important piece of the Portland Timbers attack.
For Jeremy Ebobisse the kid is coming into form at the perfect time, as the Timbers have sorely needed a striker with his pace and precision.
Once again, I tip my hat to the defensive backfield of the Portland Timbers!
Next Match
Western Conference Semifinals Second Leg, November 8, 2018 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Century Link Park, Seattle, Washington
Sounders FC
Portland
