Playoff hopes alive for the Portland Timbers coming with a huge win on the road

Photo Credit Portland Timbers FC

Momentum is on the Portland Timbers minds after defeating one of the top teams in Major League Soccer as well second on the Western Conference after the Rose City side came charged after an early delay of game.

After the game officials decided that it was safe for both sides to play in Q2 Stadium, the Portland Timbers were determined to come with the win and move towards the playoff places.

The Timbers opened the scoring in the first half through Bill Tuiloma via a header and assisted by Eryk Williamson with just 16 minutes of the first half. This was enough for Portland’s to inject more momentum in the remainder of the game.

Despite the total dominance of Austin FC in possession–71% against 29% for Portland–and with overall shots 26-14 in favor of the hosts, both sides shots at goal were even with five apiece.

As the Verde and Black had the dominance in the second half, still the Timbers kept things tidy defensivly and not allowing the locals any liberties and with some close calls. Timbers keeper Aljaz Ivacic came strong with some opportune saves.

Regardless of Austin’s dominance, Zac McGraw scored his first professional goal in the 73rd minute to extend the Timbers’ lead and scored what became the game winner in the end.

However, six minutes passed when league leading scorer Sebastian Druissi scored his 20^th goal in the 79th minute to put the home side back in this game, but their attempt to rally back and at least rescued a point went futile.

In the end, kudos for Eryk Williamson being present in both plays at goal, one assisting for the Timbers opening goal in the first half and second goal where his shot was cleared by Austin keeper Brad Stuver setting up McGraw scoring the winning goal of the match.

For Williamson, being healthy the man brings a lot to the field as well his contributions in the field are with poise, control, and skill bringing that on the field, somehow the man is material for any European league.

Lately, the Portland Timbers are showing off creativity and confidence that in the end are thriving lately and that has put them solidly in seventh place with 39 points.

Massive win over a not so inspired Austin FC!

Goals

Bill Tuiloma 16’ PTFC, Zac McGraw 73’ PTFC, Sebastian Druissi 79’ ATX

Men of the Match

Bill Tuiloma, Zac McGraw, Eryk Williamson, Aljaz Ivacic

Next Match: Atlanta United, Sunday September 4, 2022 at Providence Park