Photo Courtesy of Portland Timbers FC
A match that could have gone either way between the Portland Timbers and their hosts the Houston Dynamo. Coming to BBVA Stadium, the Portland Timbers had the tag of favorites coming into this match, but for the home side, it was desperation at its best.
Before the match, the Dynamo had been carrying a winless streak of fifteen matches and tonight the Timbers were the one to help them extend it to sixteen and made sure they got into the record books.
With early goals from Yimmi Chara and Felipe Mora scoring his ninth goal of the season via PK, the Timbers delivered their second win on the road as well as winning for the first time at BBVA Stadium.
Somehow when the Rose City side dominate in the overall possession during the season, we see positive results, they were in control once again. Once again, Steve Clark made some defying saves and earned his second consecutive clean sheet.
Not even 20 minutes passed off the first half when the Timbers had a commanding 2-0 lead when Felipe Mora’s shot bounced off Dynamo keeper Michael Nelson and Yimmi Chara pushed the ball in to open the score. Five minutes later, Mora was on the run and taken down inside the area by Nelson.
VAR then awarded a penalty kick to the visitors and Felipe Mora beat Nelson with a shot to the left and extending the lead in the 20th.
As the second half was winding down, Tab Ramos made some moves and looking to get back into the game and got close a couple times, both coming from plays from Houston’s Joe Corona and Darwin Quintero. In the end, they were meet by an inspired Timbers keeper Steve Clark.
In the second half, both sides excelled defensibly despite some opportunities missed by the Dynamo. To conclude, this win solidifies the Portland Timbers’ overall position in sixth place with 30 points and into the playoff places.
Goals
Yimmi Chara 15’ PTFC, Felipe Mora 20’ PK PTFC
Men of the Match
Felipe Mora and Steve Clark
Photo Courtesy Portland Timbers FC
Portland Timbers
