Today’s match was between two resurgent sides looking to extend their run with perfection. In the dan, Portland did so with a 2-1 win over LAFC.
As you recall in midweek in the game against Colorado, this game had all the elements of a deciding playoff match. Ever since the arrival of LAFC to MLS, this team has been a tough foe for the Portland side.
By some means, the mastery has been shaken off in this 2021 by the Timbers. As the game for the Rose City side is on the rise, so do several players making their case on the field in this campaign.
With a header goal by Dairon Aspirilla, the Colombian is having one amazing season and looking very mature in his game. Ever since the arrival of George Fochive in midseason, the man is contributing enormities for the Timbers.
This is teamwork and the Portland Timbers are suddenly finding their game identity and delivering it with notable results. Felipe Mora has been always active on the field and making a huge difference along with Sebastian Blanco turning the tide for Portland lately.
Still, the Black and Gold are no walk in the park and with team manager Bob Bradley putting on the field what certainly looks like his team of the future with no Diego Rossi as the Uruguayan went to Turkey’s Super Liga, and Carlos Vela and Eduardo Atuesta still on IR.
Dairon Asprilla put the Timbers ahead in the 21st minute, but after six minutes later the Angelinos even the score up with an apparent call for a handball inside the area charged to Sebastian Blanco and Cristian Arango converted from the spot kick to even the score.
Both teams had their moments, with Jose Cifuentes in the 47th minute almost scoring what could be the goal of the week if not month missing from 40 yards. Another LA player that had the locals’ defense on edge was Brian Rodriguez missing several would-be shots at goal.
As Blanco started his attack on the left side, his shot was well met after it deflected and Fochive delivered with a close-range header for what became the game-winning goal. In the 85th minute, the Timbers scored what would be the cushion goal by Felipe Mora, but the goal was annulled by an offside by Larrys Mabiala.
In the end, the Portland Timbers have a superb run going with with four wins, a draw, and no losses, and now within a point of LA Galaxy for fourth place.
Goals
Dairon Aspirilla 21’ PTFC, Cristian Arango (PK) 27’, George Fochive 68’ PTFC
Men of the Match
Dairon Aspirilla and George Fochive
Next Match
Real Salt Lake September 25, 2021, KO 7:30 pm Providence Park
Portland Timbers
