The Portland Timbers hosted the New England Revolution at Providence Park to kick off their 2022 MLS season. The Timbers Army, famous for their season opener TIFO displays, opted for a simple black and white two stick banner with the words, “You Knew,” held in section 106 above a black banner with the numbers for the Oregon and National Domestic Violence Hotlines draped behind the north end goal. The displays are in response to domestic violence allegations against former Timbers’ player, Andy Polo, and evidence that suggests Timbers’ owner, Merritt Paulson, knew about the abuse before re-signing Polo last season.
The Timber’s Army with their “You Knew” Tifo and numbers for support against domestic violence. (Photo: Diego Diaz)
New England, last year’s supporter’s shield winner, won the first kick and started the match off strong with a set piece in the 1st minute. The Timbers, last season’s western conference champions, responded in kind with a Santiago Moreno shot on goal in the 4th minute. The energy on the pitch stayed high despite the bitter cold and rain as each team fought for the advantage. Timbers’ Josecarlos van Rankin earned a yellow card in the 21st minute and Dairon Asprilla was given a yellow in the 27th.
The Revolution continued their press with two attempts on goal in the 30th minute saved by Timbers’ keeper, Alajž Ivačič. New England was undeterred and turned a corner in the 41st minute into a header goal by Brandon Bye. The Timbers tried to make something happen in the 3 minutes of stoppage time but came up short as the first half ended with New England up 1-0.
Portland started the second half dominating possession and controlling the pace of the match. Asprilla scored in the 60th minute with two quick touches on a pass by Moreno. New England was quick with their response in a 62nd minute goal by Sebastian Lieget. Tommy McNamara earned the first yellow for New England in the 69th minute. The Timbers continued to take command of the game with three shots on goal until Yimmi Chara finally put one in the back of the net in the 78th minute with a flashy bicycle kick.
The second half continued with each team fighting to earn all three points. Sebastian Blanco was substituted in by the Timbers for Moreno in the 82nd minute. Claudio Bravo was given the Timbers’ fourth yellow card in the 84th minute. The Timbers outshot the Revolution 11-6 in the second half but the score remained tied 2-2 at the end of the 6+ minutes of stoppage time.
Portland Timbers
New England Revolution
