The Timbers conceding again in stoppage time for another upsetting draw
Once again, the infamous stoppage-time stunner hit the Portland Timbers for the second straight time after being the dominant side in the whole game and within minutes of earning a valuable win over the Seattle Sounders.
So close, but yet so far from wrapping another victory that would have put the Rose City side in sole possession of first place in the Western Conference, and in the end, succumb to the perseverance of the Rave Greens.
In the final minutes of the game, once again the fatidic stoppage time made its presence once again and on a corner kick play with the Timbers defending zealously inside the area.
Disaster came in the 93rd minute when Will Bruin was left alone inside the area and scoring the equalizer to the dismay of the Timbers after surviving a number of close calls they had when Seattle stepped up its attack.
After a first half where the Timbers dominance was written all over, the second half took a twist towards the Sounders and despite making a few compromising plays, the visitors took care of those near scares.
However, an error by Dario Zuparic leaving Will Bruin alone in the area, as the Bruin took advantage of the gift to sent the ball past Steve Clark.
However, not all was negative for the Portland Timbers, as manager Giovanni Savarese stated of unfortunate the result. He praised his side’s effort and hard work.
It was great seeing a long-time absentee in Andres Flores returning to the starting lineup after a total of 396 days since his previous appearance and almost being the game hero with his lone score in the 10th minute of the game.
After Flores took advantage of a rebound from a shot taken by Yimmi Chara, Flores opened the scoring sending a clear message to the manager of his readiness and displaying a great game all evening long.
As the Timbers had several opportunities to ice this game with near plays to extend the lead, it was a brilliant Stefan Frei rising to the occasion and denying them in what could be the potential match-winner.
Goals
Andres Flores 10’, PTFC, Will Bruin 93’ SS
Highlights
Andres Flores opening the score with a beauty of a goal in the 10’ minute
Marco Farfan making a statement with a great game holding off Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro
Jorge Villafaña making a case in the defensive backfield
Felipe Mora becoming a threat to opposing defenses and not being allowed to display his game
Diego Valeri almost scored but denied in the end
Yimmi Chara becoming a star in the offensive game of the Timbers
Jeremy Ebobisse not in the game but missed dearly
Eryk Williamson and Diego Chara deliver but in need of seeing their tough game
Larry’s Mabiala and Dario Zuparic both had decent performances, in the end, the Croatian is only human
So close but no cigar for the Timbers to make it three consecutive wins over the Sounders
Man of the match
Andres Flores
