The team worked Timber Joey hard on the chainsaw – 5 goals! Only the clean-sheet slice remained elusive.
Is it a wet, chilly night in March? Check. Is it a home opener for the Portland Timbers? Check.
Adrian Heath came to Providence Peak in 2015 with another expansion team, Orlando, and beat the Timbers – could Caleb Porter finally get his first points against the Englishman? He did and fairly easily, Minnesota did not threaten much and for Portland it looked as easy as an extension of preseason. The 5-1 scoreline was a little harsh on the visitors in the end, but Portland’s offense had looked good all game.
The scorers, Olum aside, were all too familiar – a brace each from Valeri and Adi. But Portland’s new wideman Blanco looked excellent, showing an ideal combination of hard-work and good technique. The myth of ‘adaptation to MLS’ is an excuse for poor players. Blanco earned the free-kick that led to the first goal with tenacity in the corner and floated a superb cross to Valeri for the second.
Blanco features a combination of ‘hustle’ that will appeal to some observers and technical skills that will be appreciated by connoisseurs and newbies alike.
Trailing by 2, Minnesota came out of their shell with 25 minutes to go and they got a goal back through Christian Ramirez as he exploited space and some hesitation between Olum and Ridgewell. But a minute later Adi was pulled back in the box allowing Valeri to restore Portland’s 2 goal lead from the spot. Hopes of a comeback for the new boys were gone and Adi added a couple of his own in injury time to complete the welcome to the league.
Lawrence Olum celebrated Portland’s first goal of the season. A Valeri free kick in the corner was flicked on by Vytas at the near post, Olum was waiting at the far post to pounce. A goal from a crossed set-piece is something the Timbers only managed once all last season! At the back he and Ridgewell were not threatened much, but hesitation between them allowed Ramirez to briefly pull Minnesota back to 2-1 – sharper offenses than Minnesota might look to exploit this new pairing. A clean-sheet is the next priority for Portland.
Fanendo Adi – taking the attention of two defenders – business as usual. A strong presence up front, which was good as Minnesota crowded the midfield forcing Portland to go direct. The Nigerian brought his midfielders into the game, including finding Blanco out wide for the cross that led to the Timbers second goal.
Valeri took a first half clearance square in the huevos. But that didn’t stop him having an excellent game and netting Portland’s first open play header since Rodney Wallace’s goal in the 2015 MLS cup final.
Valeri looking much more comfortable – a confidently dispatched penalty will do that.
Vytas was tasked with marking Minnesota dangerman Kevin Molino – but it was the Lithuanian who contributed on offense. Valeri’s set-piece deliveries usually go near post and are typically cleared fairly easily. Vytas adds some aerial presence in that area – a nice flick to Olum on the far post for his first assist of the year. He offered a run to Nagbe consistently on the outside all game.
The game bypassed Nagbe for long periods as Minnesota’s crowded midfield forced Portland to go direct. But as the home side cut loose in injury time he provided a nice assist for Adi’s first goal. Goals from Valeri and Adi, assists from both wide-attackers and a full back. Add a goal from a crossed set-piece and an open play header and Portland were checking all the boxes.
Adi had a great 90 minutes – but an absolutely amazing injury time with two of the best goals he has ever scored for Portland. In this first goal he rounded keeper John Alvbage stylishly after being played in by Nagbe and finished calmly with his right between 2 defenders on the line. A minute later making his own opportunity, turning a defender and lashing home with his left from an acute angle. Job done.
