Photo Credit Portland Timbers FC
Coming into this game, the Portland Timbers had the Claret and Cobalt’s number. However, today wasn’t that day, as Real Salt Lake came ready and delivered with a 3-1 rout.
The Timbers had an inglorious season with a number of eventful controversies surrounding both the Timbers and Thorns, including the firings of two important of its executives in Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub.
The investigation led by the U.S. Soccer Federation has taken center stage about its details of abuse and wrongdoing across the NWSL that led to the sudden dismissal of these two executives.
Still, in today’s game, the Portland side never displayed the fight and ambition they normally possess!
A play that I recall in the 69th minute when the visiting Timbers had their best chance of the afternoon when Yimmi Chara’s shot hit the post, and I won’t forget how the game announcer highlighted it as their only important play.
RSL took advantage of the lack of serious defensive pressure from the Timbers as Jefferson Savarino delivered mayhem to the Portland backfield.
Savarino opened the scoring in the first half, assisted by Costa Rican international Bryan Oviedo in the 19th minute. The Timbers would be down by three goals thanks to a couple of opportune calls.
The so-called Portland revival never happened in the second half when Beaverton High School prodigy Rubio Rubin scored in the 48th minute to put the home side ahead and broke a scoring drought of 32 consecutive games.
The cushion goal came in the 82nd minute by Bode Hidalgo to put the score at 3-0 and beyond reach for the Timbers. The Timbers netted a consolation goal in the 87th minute through Dairon Asprilla.
Consistency wins games, but the Portland Timbers lacked it today and seeing a number of efforts going down with an eased defense as well a nonexistent offensive attack.
Overall, the Portland Timbers lacked ambition.
Goals
Jefferson Savarino 19’ RSL, Rubio Rubin 48’ RSL, Bode Hidalgo 82’ RSL, Dairon Aspirilla 87’ PTFC
Man of the Match
Dairon Aspirilla
Photo Credit Portland Timbers FC
Portland Timbers
