The Portland Timbers displayed a turnaround in today’s game in Frisco, Texas, falling short of a win but came up big by sharing the spoils in Big D against a dominant FC Dallas.
However, tonight’s game belongs to one debutante and that was Franck Boli coming late in the second half for Santiago Moreno in the 84th minute to give the Portland attack a boost.
Going to the game, the Timbers (1-3-2, 5 points) played an amazing first half with a number of opportunities that could determine the game, playing with a good offense and defense to hold the FC Dallas (2-2-2, 8 points) momentum.
Still, the Timbers showed big development after their past performances against Atlanta, St. Louis, and LAFC in losing efforts. Against the LA Galaxy where they had a number of opportunities, they fell short of scoring the game winner at home.
With a squad in its majority being hampered by injuries, the Portland Timbers showed a lot of promise with the returns of Sebastian Blanco, Yimmi Chara, Evander, and Cristhian Paredes.
I cannot imagine the revival for the Rose City side when these lads are back!
After the goal by Dallas’s Facundo Quignon in the 74th minute, the Timbers didn’t feel dejected and contrarily started an all-around fight in the remaining minutes to at least equalize the game and they really delivered.
It came into stoppage time when Dallas almost had the game in their pockets when the unthinkable happened as debutante Boli came ready and the man delivered with the equalizing goal in the 90+2nd minute leaving the whole of Toyota Stadium in shock as the newcomer delivered the game tying goal and with the share of spoils with the Timbers return home with a feeling of a much-deserved draw on the road.
Manager Giovanni Savarese saw a sign of relief when his side increased its attack as well a return to top form of Aljaz Ivacic making a whooping five saves in the course of the game after his past week’s reproach to Savarese not considering him.
In the end, I like what I saw in Frisco as the return of Dairon Aspirilla in the lineup and despite coming as a substitute in the second half for Diego Gutierrez, the Timbers’ attack got an uplift and the man from Colombia as he delivered with an assist.
If the Timbers can bring that desired center back as well another winger man, this team can reach not only the postseason, but maybe the MLS Cup as well applaud Gio’s moves in the game that made a world of difference.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel I must say.
Goals
Facundo Quignon 74’ FCD, Franck Boli 90+2 POR
Man of the Match
Franck Boli
Next Match
April 8, 2023 against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place
For more of Eric Guzman’s photos, click on the link.
