Photo Credit: Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC 3- Portland Timbers 2
So close but as far of netting in what seems to be that elusive first win of the campaign. With brilliantly first and second halves played and with a comfortable two goal lead. The Portland Timbers were heading for their first win of the campaign. Not until that, fatidic eightieth minute that lead to disaster.
Still as the Portland, squad is getting a positive rhythm and team effort. All of a sudden, we see certain inconsistencies in its defense being the culprit in their last outings. As in both Chicago and Orlando matches, could arrived that win! At the end, it became a mirage and surrendering in these last two matches of the campaign.
Going back in what seemed to be a very controversial match adding to the game official Baldomero Toledo considered a total nightmare for the PTFC. Thanks to VAR in this match became the second one in this weekend that a red card rescinded. Allowing the likes of Sebastian Blanco to remain in the match and seeing his contributions in the field by rallying the Rose City squad.
Among one of the highlights of this match for the PTFC was their Talisman Diego Valeri doing what he does best in the field. He scored via a penalty kick Portland’s first goal and alter assisting for the second goal.
The unfortunate part of the match came after the eightieth minute by a determined and persistent Orlando SC pressuring on Portland side. So was the local Purple Lions insistence that lead to their first goal by rookie Chris Mueller. As controversies plagued this match, one came against Timbers Alvas Powell. The referee immediately awarded a penalty in favor of Orlando, with Sacha Kjlestan converting and tying the score at two goals each. At that point the Portland defense was seeing a total meltdown.
In the 87th minute with Dom Dwyer putting in evidence the frailties of Portland defense beating Mabialas, Tuiloma and Gleeson for what became the Orlando Game winner. For Portland todays match put their record at (0, 3, 2, 2 points).
For Portland, ending this long road stand with a negative is not what they were looking for. So far for Portland their best ally is time and they can turn around their campaign with a twist of positive results. For manager Giovanni Savarese it is back to business for Portland homecoming on April 14 against Minnesota and the first win can finally arrive at home.
Portland Timbers
Orlando City
