Adi takes home Man of the Match with his strong performance at BC Place
by Ed Pham
In a game in which Portland needed to come back from Vancouver with anything other than a scoreless tie or a loss, the Timbers came out wanting to get that crucial away goal to put the pressure onto Vancouver. They did so off a powerful strike from Adi that hit the roof of the net in the 30th minute and proceeded to cruise from there. With the goal in hand, they controlled the possession and limit Vancouver to lofty chances. The Timbers put the dagger in the Whitecaps’ 2015 season with a goal from Diego Chara in the 93rd minute and secure their ticket into the Western Conference Finals against FC Dallas.
Note: Players introduced after 70 minutes given no rating.
Starting XI
GK Adam Kwarasey – 6
Had to make a crucial save against Manneh that almost went in off his back. Comfortably picked off crosses made by the Vancouver attack. Didn’t have too much to do this game. Had a close call on the back post off a Vancouver corner near the end though.
D Alvas Powell – 7
A much better game from Powell in this leg. Led the team with seven interceptions. Was more energetic on both sides of the ball. Only close call was the challenge against Octavio Rivero in the box. Game could have been different if the ref called a penalty on that instead of letting play continue.
D Nat Borchers – 6
Didn’t have to do too much. Positioned himself well to deal with the opposing attack when called to. But was in a comfortable position to distribute the ball from the back. Nearly killed off the tie, but missed the ball by inches off Valeri’s free kick.
D Liam Ridgewell – 6
Like Borchers, did a good job to help clear any danger by the Vancouver attack when called to. Was a relatively comfortable game for him, but wasn’t needed to do anything above and beyond. His shift to left back after Villafaña left the game injured was a pleasant surprise, as he did well to deputize in the role. Though he remained conservative in his approach at the position.
D Jorge Villafaña – 7 (Off in 66′)
Continued his good form and did well to cover the left wing. He did well in covering his defensive duties against the likes of Techera and Rosales, but also providing support on the attack with Wallace. His energy and pace helped overload the left flank and caused problems for Vancouver. Left due to an injury unfortunately.
M Diego Chara – 8
Chara continued his solid work in the holding mid, facilitating play alongside Nagbe, winning balls back for the Timbers (eleven recoveries, two interceptions, five tackles), and disrupting Vancouver’s attack whenever he could. His tackle on Morales, followed up with his run and goal to finish off the game was the icing on the cake. He was just as efficient with the ball as Nagbe, completing 87% of his passes.
M Darlington Nagbe – 7
Did a solid job of facilitating the movement in the midfield and getting the ball out of dangerous positions. His passing remained superb as he completed 91% of his passes. Had a great shot that flew just wide of the left post.
M Diego Valeri – 7 (Off in 84′)
Was crucial in the setup and vision to assist in Adi’s game-winning goal. Was threatening with presence and passing. Had seven total shots, three on target. Only let down was the foul that gave him a yellow card (and out for the first leg of the conference finals).
F Rodney Wallace – 6 (Off in 80′)
Was influential in the build-up that led to the opening goal for the Timbers. Remained relatively quiet on the offensive end (only one shot that was blocked), but worked well with Villafaña on the left wing in build-up play and on the defensive end.
F Dairon Asprilla – 6
Found some good interplay with Adi. Did a good job to recover back defensively to help out Powell when needed. Also a relatively quiet game, but a good defensive display (seven recoveries, two tackles). Also had one key pass.
F Fenando Adi – 8 (Man of the Match)
When Portland needed their target man to score, he did it in superb fashion and with authority. Had a hand in both goals scored. His work ethic this game was crucial, winning balls in the air and holding up play when they needed him too. His desire to get into the thick of play and create chances were even more surprising, as he created the most chances for the Timbers with five.
Subs
D Noberto Paparatto – 6 (On in 66′)
Came on for the injured Villafaña and filled in at center-back. Filled in well and helped keep the clean sheet for the Timbers.
F Lucas Melano – NR (On in 80′)
Came on for Wallace to provide some fresh legs on the attack and keep the Vancouver defense honest.
M Jack Jewsbury – NR (On in 84′)
Came on to help close out the game and provide defensive reinforcements in the midfield for the Timbers.
Ed Pham is a Timbers contributor on the Radio Cascadia podcast. He can be found on Twitter at @edpham, covering the Portland Timbers, Arsenal, Olympique Lyonnais, and Ligue 1.
Stats taken from WhoScored.com and OPTA.
