Portland Timbers 3, Philadelphia Union 0
There is no place like home for these red-hot Portland Timbers. With back-to-back wins and against squads considered a handful. This time the Philadelphia Union was the rival in turn and put the Portland streak in danger. After last week tough match against the Houston Dynamo, the question was whether Portland could handle another tough, physical match.
With both Houston and Philadelphia below the red line both matches proved to be a tough test. With first half dominance from Philadelphia the Timbers stood their ground. One with its defensive game that delivers them a one of a kind performance despite the Union counters. In addition, of seeing a very sharp and defensive Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella making three valuable saves.
Once again the unity this Portland squad was visible today. Alongside in every game not only manager Giovanni Savarese creativity has shown too in his initial eleven. All evening the Portland squad never stopped fighting and put pressure on the Philly defenders until these surrendered to the Timbers offensive push.
As in the second half, the Portland squad started its drive and displaying their game. All three scores came and steeping their defensive game that in the end delivered a clean sheet and a notable performance. Retuning to its defensive game to shown in the campaign that has contributed to their perfect streak.
This match exposed a physical and aggressive Union in its game. Targeting several of the Portland Timbers players, being one of them Diego Chara. That rough game became the doom of the visitors that surrendered two plays that lead to penalties. Both that favored the Portland squad as well opening the door for another score.
Goals
Diego Valeri PK 58’ PTFC, Dairon Aspirilla PK 84’ PTFC, David Guzman 87’ PTFC
Highlight
The Portland Timbers defensive game and the strategy used in Gio Savarese 3-5-2 formation. As every player in the Timbers, initial eleven rose to the occasion and delivered a wondrous game. All of a sudden, we see in these battling Timbers several players playing like MVPs. Among one of them was goalkeeper Jeff Attinella and Alvas Powell.
Next Match
The Cascadia Derby, Portland Timbers (10, 3, 7, 37 points) vs Vancouver Whitecaps (8, 9, 6, 30 points) Providence Park, Portland Oregon 8:00 PM PST/ 11:00 PM EST.
