Photo Credit F.C. Cincinnati
The resurgence of the Portland Timbers is very visible and with a commanding dominance in the both halves, but especially the first half where they missed a number of clear opportunities at goal.
Evander suddenly became the leader of the Timbers, as he created a number of opportunities as well being a leader on the field on Saturday.
This time, Evander really shined and in the first half is when he sent a shot in the eighth minute missing the posts, then in the eleventh again with a free kick that found the head of Franck Boli, but couldn’t do anything. Three minutes later, again the Brazilian made his mark with another missed chance that neither Boli or Aspirilla could do anything and missed another opportunity.
When the Portland Timbers (2-5-2, 8 points) came to face FC Cincinnati (6-1-2, 20 points), they were coming with an all-around momentum after defeating the Seattle Sounders at home and looking to continue their winning ways.
Once again, the defense raised high with Ivacic making two whopping saves in the first half, but in the end the absence of Dario Zuparic was missed highly after he had to stay home along with manager Giovanni Savarese due to league health protocols.
Time after time, the Portland side never stopped their quest of trying to score and for FCC being somehow lucky after seeing the visitors not being able to convert clear prospects at goal.
Somehow, the Timbers missing the mark became Cincinnati’s gain with Sergio Santos converting in the 34th minute after Larrys Mabiala missed his mark. In the second half, both sides went looking to score and it was in the 58th minute when the Orange and Blue extended its lead with a goal by Brandon Vazquez extending the lead to 2-0.
Still, the Timbers efforts finally paid off, when aSantiago Moreno cross was fielded feebly by Cincinnati keeper Roman Celentano and allowing Dairon Aspirilla to score his second goal of the season in the 60th minute and putting the score to 2-1.
Despite the moves made by Carlos Llamosa with the incorporation of Nathan Fogaca for Franck Boli and Jaroslaw Niezgoda for Dairon Aspirilla, in the end they were not enough against FC Cincinnati.
As Moreno stepped up his game and with three tries at goal, along with Evander putting a good game offensively, the Timbers fell short and succumbed to FC Cincinnati on the road and are now looking to face off against St. Louis City SC on the road.
Goals
Sergio Santos 34’ CIN, Brandon Vazquez 58’ CIN, Dairon Aspirilla 60’ POR
Men of the Match
Dairon Aspirilla and Evander
Next Match
April 29, 2023 against St. Louis City SC, KO 5:30 PM
