The Portland Timbers stages a dramatic come from behind rally, to draw against an inspired Seattle Sounders

Photo Credit Portland Timbers FC/ Craig Mitchelldyer

Manager Miles Joseph had all the right moves in the second half along with a match-changing red card against Leo Chu in the 53^rd minute that lifted the Portland Timbers with back-to-back goals to share of spoils in the Emerald City.

The Sounders took an early lead in the ninth minute with a one-of-a-kind header by Sounders Raul Ruidiaz and later a counter attack by a speedy Leo Chu in the 30^th, gave the Sounders a commanding 2-0 lead before halftime.

However, the excessive celebration by Leo Chu in the first half after scoring his goal, earned him a yellow card, and after the second half in the 53^rd minute he was sent off after a flagrant foul over Zac Mc Graw.

This red card became the difference maker for the visiting Portland Timbers leading to moves by manager Joseph with Sebastian Blanco, Franck Boli, and Dairon Aspirilla in the 67^th minute.

It’s when the combination of Dairon Aspirilla and Zac McGraw arrived with the latter getting the assist to put the Timbers one goal behind in the 67th minute.

Then, Evander sent a beauty of a shot that not even Stefan Frei was able to get and in the 70^th minute tying the game at 2 goals each.

Despite the game tied at 2-2, Portland decided to put on the field their new acquisition in Brazilian Antony in the 82^nd minute replacing Santiago Moreno. The Rose City side had its moments and opportunities, but Seattle defense stuck solidly and not allowing the visitors any chances.

A point is a point and, on the road, it translates like a big feat. The Timbers still seeded in twelfth place in the Western Conference, but the comeback in the second half will become the talk in all of Major League Soccer circles.

So far in the Miles Joseph era, the man his record is 1-1-1 and not bad for taking over a team in complete disarray and in little steps, Joseph is putting his touch with just a few games.

Tonight’s result between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders, gives the Vancouver Whitecaps the Cascadia Cup, their first since 2016.

Goals

Raul Ruidiaz 9’ SEA, Leo Chu 30’ SEA, Dairon Aspirilla 67’ POR, Evander 70’ POR

Men of the Match

Dairon Aspirilla and Evander