Seattle Sounders 2, Portland Timbers 3
Century Link Stadium, Seattle WA
Photo Credit: Jill Peck
Garlands to the conqueror and that is for our man of the match Larrys Mabiala, becoming the Timbers new goal scorer. With this win, the Portland Timbers center back lifted a winless streak in their house of horrors in Seattle. Yes, the first ever win as a visitor in Century Link Stadium, ever since their inception in MLS and the start of this contested rivalry.
Still one thing that stands out for this Portland squad is they are playing like a team and with total unity. Believe me that makes a world of difference! With another edition of the Cascadia Derby staged in Seattle and opening this edition of the Cascadia Cup. Portland came in as the favorite to win this contest and they did not disappoint.
For the local Seattle Sounders last week miraculous tie at Chicago. Today they had some of that momentum left but fell short in the end. Still the local squad despite their struggles in this campaign showed poise and a lot of fight in them.
In the case of the Portland Timbers last week their defensive gem in Atlanta and leaving with a point. However, this result is seen as a valuable one after stopping one of the most potent offensive attacks in this campaign. The need to deliver a win was imperative for manager Giovanni Savarese experiencing his second Derby but on the road.
In addition of playing their second consecutive match in the road. This squad is looking a bit confident and seem to be playing a different kind of game as this campaign progresses. With Larrys Mabiala once again converting in his second consecutive game. As the Frenchman scores came in the 48 and 74 minutes along with Samuel Armenteros in the 57’.
Being the Timbers Talisman man Diego Valeri the culprit of these three goals and the resolute insistence of wrapping this one on the road. After both Seattle scores, the fight these new Portland Timbers have, made it all possible for their comeback and seal the deal.
Goals
Larrys Mabiala-PTFC 48’ , Victor Rodriguez- SEA 51’, Samuel Armenteros- PTFC 57’, Chad Marshall- SEA 68’, Larrys Mabiala- PTFC 74’.
Highlight of the Match
For Larrys Mabiala scoring in back-to-back games and on the road. So far he has amassed four goals in the campaign, an unthinkable number for a defender to deliver such feat. So far, he has been an asset in the Timbers new defensive game and now contributing in the offensive attack
So far, the game plan and scheme pout in by manager Giovanni Savarese in practice is delivering notable results. Now delivering an important win on the road and the squad looking a bit more determined not vulnerable. This is something to laud Gio’s new approach ad mentality he is putting on his players. With his double today, Larry’s reaches four goals scored in the campaign.
Next Match
Portland Timbers (7, 3, 5, 26 points) vs San Jose Earthquakes (3, 9, 3, 12 points) Providence Park, Portland, Oregon 8:00 PM PST
MLS Western
Portland
