Portland Timbers 0, Sporting Kansas City 0
When the Portland Timbers play Sporting Kansas City, these are ready for a defensive bloc from the Midwest squad. However, in today’s match the tables turned against SKC . In spite of Portland,out-shooting SKC 14 to 9 and six shots on target the locals had to endure an evening of opportune heroics displayed by SKC goalkeeper Tim Melia.
However, the Timbers did put on a defensive gem. Before the match, manager Giovanni Savarese rallied his troops and demonstrated a total state of readiness. Showing off today how they were ready to roll and put this one away.
Still this match from the get go looked in favor of the local Timbers. For Dairon Aspirilla showing off his amazing game he has displaying lately with intent of goal that was immediate stopped by the SKC keeper Tim Melia. Another near play of goal when a rebound landing in Jorge Villafaña feet sends a shoot that hits the left post to the dismay of the attendees.
Give an A for effort to the Portland Boys. In the 70th minute, Diego Valeri free kick caught Liam Ridgewell offside. After the jubilee and celebration of David Guzman goal, annulled. No, later another close plays with Bill Tuiloma that saw the best performance of SKC keeper.
As the man from New Zealand coming as a substitute for an injured Larry’s Mabiala and his status pending. In the end the Kiwi in his performances, he has done the job. So far, the loss of Mabiala considered as a devastating impact in the Portland backfield. Until the final evaluations of the team doctors, manager Savarese will have an update in his status.
For Larrys Mabiala injury is critical, his absence for sure sensed heavily in the starting eleven at SKC. Amazing match but for sure disappointing for the Portland Timbers multiple intents at goal, coming empty. As this tie for sure leans positively towards Sporting Kansas City. A squad tough to beat at home as their record in this campaign showed them with 10-2-5.
With leg 1 now in the books, both squads ready for Thursday at Children’s Mercy Park. Still the outlook favors SKC but the odds of netting a positive result for the Portland Timbers is within their reach in the end.
As the second leg for sure will be one amazing and disputed contest between these two squads. Forget the memories of that wet 2015 evening when Portland raised to the occasion and the win over SKC in penalties. However, that was then and now we have a couple of hard fighting squads looking at any cost to advance to MLS grand finale.
Goals
No goals
Highlight of the Match
The Portland Timbers defense stepping out since the get go and dominating the whole match.
Bill Poni Tuiloma lately his performances are becoming the difference and yesterday with a nice header that almost became a goal but an opportune Tim Melia denying him the difference maker.
Hail to Mr. October Dairon Aspirilla creating chances, with an early intent of goal passing to Diego Valeri but denied by the Sporting keeper.
Teamwork made the difference yesterday and with no doubt these can deliver an upset in the Midwest.
Second leg Thursday November 29, 2018 Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas 6:30 PM PST/ 9:30 PM EST
Sporting Kansas City
Portland
