Montreal Impact 0-Portland Timbers 0
What an eventful match between the Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact. We can state that both squads gave their best efforts and settled for a draw and share of the points. Still the Portland Timbers exposing their perfect run in league play. With Le Gars of the Montreal Impact in town and sporting a winning streak of their own. This match had no elements of an easy affair for the Rose City Boys. However, the level of excitement and a stellar match from start to finish was in the works.
As manager Giovanni Savarese stated in his post-match press conference, about this two halves match. Portland had a constant and dominating first half scoring two goals. Their performance looked like this match was going to be in their favor.
With the element of surprise in their counter attack, the Impact was totally in control of the match. Especially taking advantage of the sluggish performance the Timbers exhibited in the field. The opening score for the visitors was immediate in the 23 minute, catching the Portland defense off guard. As sloppy defending allowed a tenacious Alejandro Silva. As the play became the first score of the match via Saphir Taider.
In spite of the Montreal dominance, the Timbers eleven had some initiative and determination. After a play that Alvas Powell started in the right side, sending a center that was head out and Paredes kick sent a ball in the air and to the hands of Evan Bush. While many thought the play was over, the Montréal keeper let go of the ball and Armenteros scored in the confusion in the 39th minute
Still this half belonged to a hardened Impact. They caught the Portland defense off guard with a long kick from Ignacio Piatti to Matteo Mancuso who score the second goal of the evening in the 41st minute. With the first half ending, everyone was looking forward to a contested second half.
Indeed, the second half saw an all-around competition between these two squads. After a sorry first half where the Portland squad defense lacked alertness and organization, a rare sight in this campaign. After all the defensive game in this campaign has been sole responsible for their positive streak.
No one is perfect and one thing this squad is showing a comeback attitude. Showing off a new game and displaying a total dominance in the field with a fighting approach. As the second half became on Portland side, you can call the Rose City squad as the comeback kids.
With one play after another, the Portland squad coming short of their objective. In the 65’ minute, it is when another play that became a highlight when Diego Valeri headed the tying goal.
Once again for the Montreal goalkeeper Evan Bush slip up, Valeri headed the ball for the second goal in the 65’ minute and the score tied at two goals apiece. As the angry Montréal squad arguing for a possible, foul of intrusion from the Andean. Their request for VAR was denied and their manger Remi Garde being sent away for arguing with the fourth official.
For both Montréal and Portland squads coming from midweek activities, the effects of fatigue were very visible. As every minute passed by the City of Mary squad players were showing very tired and here the Timbers needed to counter.
Despite several tries and opportunities at the end both squads had to settle for the tie and sharing points. I do applaud the effort both squads’ players displayed all game long and never backing up. At the end, the result was a fair one for both squads.
Lucky thirteen shines for the Portland Timbers run with perfection in league play. With no more worries of USOC competition the side should be more rested next week match against Houston at home. The odds of a favorable result for the Portland squad are within their reach.
Montreal Impact
Portland
