PORTLAND, OR – The Timbers made a triumphant return to Providence Park Saturday evening, defeating the Houston Dynamo 2-1 in their first MLS home game of the 2021 season.
With the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Club America looming midweek, the Timbers rested a number of key starters in the first half. A hungry second unit were given quality minutes and players like Pablo Bonilla and Cristhian Paredes made strong impressions against MLS-caliber starters. Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made his first start in goal since April 2019, stepping in for the injured Steve Clark.
The Timbers rushed out of the gate, scoring first in the 6th minute. Dairon Asprilla finished off a low cross into the box from Pablo Bonilla to make it 1-0. It was the fastest the Timbers have scored a goal in their MLS home opener history.
Houston settled into the match and leveled with Portland in the 28th minute after Boniek Garcia’s header found the back of the net from a corner kick.
Regular starters Diego Valeri and Dario Zuparic subbed in at halftime. For Valeri it was an emotional evening having lost his father, Luis, earlier this week.
Portland made more subs and adjustments late into the second half and found their breakthrough goal in the 73rd minute. Cristhian Paredes hammered in the go-ahead goal after Felipe Mora’s pass from Bill Tuiloma was headed down at the feet of Paredes inside the box.
Coach Savarese said of his team’s depth and their impact on the game:
“I see their desire, see how much they’re improving, how much they want to participate and contribute to the team, and we saw it today… but I think today also was an extra special motivation, to perform and dedicate this game to Valeri’s father as well.”
Next up, the Timbers will take on Club America Wednesday, April 28th at 7:30 pm in their first leg quarterfinal matchup.
