Steve Clark went from goat to hero after making amends for his bizarre blunder when he allowed FC Cincinnati to tie the game with just minutes remaining in the second half.
Still, the man is only human, and the slip-up that almost cost the Timbers advancement into the quarterfinals allowed for redemption in the penalty shootout.
This time, the man knew where Locadia’s shot was going. The Portland Timbers’ confidence is reaching an all-time high and now at quarterfinals, they’re taking it easy one game at a time. They now prepare for their next match against a resurgent NYCFC this upcoming Saturday.
As both managers made their moves in their substitutions, for Gio Savare getting Jaroslaw Niezgoda over Jeremy Ebobisse in the 64’ this move became the right one for the Portland Timbers.
For Jaroslaw Niezgoda, getting his second goal as a Timber and becoming the ideal one-two with Sebastian Blanco, somehow this tells me that next season will be a promising one for the former Legionnaire who became the game hero after converting the game-winning penalty.
Despite the Portland Timbers’ dominance in the rankings, the Orange and Blue defensive blockade prevented a goal rout by the Rose City side that became the clear dominant of this match with possession and most shots at goal.
However, with FC Cincinnati tying the game in the 81st minute by Jurgen Locadia’s penalty, the Midwest side went with everything in the attack and almost getting atop the Timbers defense that rose on the remaining minutes of the match.
When the referee whistled the end of the game, we were bracing for the penalty shootout and with Cincy’s Siem de Jong Allan Cruz scoring, but that’s when the Portland Timbers big guns came through.
With Diego Valeri, Felipe Mora, Sebastian , and in the end Jaroslaw Niezgoda converting for the game-winner and earning the Portland Timbers their pass into MLS is Back Tournament Quarterfinals.
Goals
Jaroslaw Niezgoda 67’, Jürgen Locadia PK 81’
Highlights
Sebastian Blanco and Jaroslaw Niezgoda are becoming a perfect duo
Eryk Williamson making all sorts of moves in the defensive midfield
Yimmi Chara making an impact in the starting eleven and with a near score
Giovanni Savarese making all the right moves that are building in his group a lot of confidence
Steve Clark error that allowed the game to be tied, redeeming himself in the penalties
Diego Valeri, Felipe Mora, Sebastian Blanco, and Jaroslaw Niezgoda delivered the chief moment as the Portland Timbers went perfect in the penalty rounds
Hats off for Sebastian Blanco
Men of the Match
Jaroslaw Niezgoda and Steve Clark
Portland Timbers
