Portland Timbers 2-0 San Jose Earthquakes
Welcome to Major League Soccer Logan Ketterer, as the man knows how to make an impression on his debut, contributing with a shutout, four saves, and most of all with a PK save on veteran striker Chris Wondolowski!
Despite their loss in midweek against the Seattle Sounders, the San Jose Earthquakes came as heavy favorites to win this match against a struggling Portland Timbers side coming with a three-game skid.
For today’s match Timber’s manager, Giovanni Savarese once again proved his boldness by sending a different lineup with an offensive twist in 4-4-2 formation with Felipe Mora and Andy Polo going in the frontal attack.
Not seeing El Maestro Diego Valeri in the starting lineup was a surprise, but the Timbers manager decided to put in the midfield the likes of Marvin Loria, Yimmi Chara, Eryk Williamson, and Jeremy Ebobisse.
In the end, they worked like a fabulous foursome, and for Eryk Williamson being a standout in the offensive with a couple of assists that marked the difference in the game.
Not only did the Timbers stop their losing streak, but this win injects a little optimism ahead of their game next week at home against a red-hot Los Angeles Galaxy along with its striker Chicharito.
Getting back to tonight’s game, the Rose City side came inspired and maybe this lineup can be a repetitive one in future games as the man of the hour Logan Ketterer put on a show in this match.
As the formula of Gio worked wonders with a compact and resolute game performance in his defense, the offensive game delivered a wondrous performance that could have become a goal-fest in the end.
As Eryk Williamson contributed for today’s win with a couple of assists, one in the 5th minute with a pass that Yimmi Chara floated over the Quakes keeper for the first score of the evening. The second one came in the 74th minute when Williamson pinpointed a ball and an opportune Marvin Loria sealed the win with a beautifully executed header.
In the end, the pressure that San Jose put on during the game did not affect Timbers’ momentum, despite the Quakes’ dominance in possession as well in shots. The visiting Portland Timbers played one intelligent match in the whole course and come out with the win and a clean sheet!
Goals
Yimmi Chara 5’ PTFC and Marvin Loria 74’ PTFC
Men of the Match
Logan Ketterer and Eryk Williamson
Portland Timbers
San Jose Earthquakes
