The levels of confidence are increasing among the Portland Timbers lately and today they demonstrated their resolve with an important win over the Seattle Sounders.
The Rave Greens dominated the stats outshooting the Timbers and had the ball in their possession most of the game, as well as passing percentage and overall passes Still, the perseverance and determination shown by the Timbers, was evident after putting on the field a more intelligent game.
The visiting Rave Greens came determined to get another win and an act of revenge after losing to the Timbers at Century Link Field.
However, the Timbers had the better part in shutting down the Sounders’ top playmakers in Nicolas Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz, and especially Jordan Morris the whole evening, where he could not display his game he is comfortable with and orchestrate the attack many are familiar with.
Give credit to Jordan Morris attacking game being completely silenced by the likes of the rookie defender and newcomer Pablo Bonilla. As he is becoming a regular in the Timber backfield in every game, earning his minutes with a lot of heart in his game.
After the Timbers’ goal in the 13th minute, they were determined in not allowing the Sounders any liberties and delivering their first clean sheet since the start of the season against Nashville SC.
All the right moves are done by manager Gio Savarese in the starting lineup lately, uplifting the game of many young lads getting the call and doing the job!
Still, give credit all the youngsters, Recall the veterans leading the way and among one of them being the elder Chara, Diego being fundamental in the defensive gem the Timbers patiently showed in the midfield.
By not allowing the defending champions any free spaces and whenever these started to mount an attack, the Timbers frustrated the Sounders’ playmakers.
Also rising to the occasion defensively was Steve Clark who deserved the honors of earning a much-deserved clean sheet after denying Raul Ruidiaz a couple of goals.
This match saw the younger Chara scoring the game-winner and his third consecutive goal in three games. The man is possessed and becoming another Chara household name.
Once again, Yimmi Chara became the man of the match with the game’s only score in the 13th minute, and for the remainder of the match, it was the defensive backfield’s responsibility to put on the finishing touches.
When this team plays with unity, sacrifice, staying focused, and for one another, great things happen!
Goals
Yimmi Chara 13’ PTFC
Highlights
Yimmi Chara scoring in three consecutive games
Steve Clark with 6 saves and earning a much-deserved clean sheet
Jeremy Ebobisse making a case as a winger, delivering the game-winning goal with his assist
Kudos to Jorge Villafaña, Dario Zuparic, Julio Cascante, and Pablo Bonilla delivering a gem of a defensive game
The moves in the lineup are paying off for manager Giovanni Savarese
Two back-to-back wins for the Portland Timbers
The Timbers performed an intelligent game, patiently playing in the midfield and shutting down the Sounders
Pablo Bonilla delivered a defensive gem, shutting down Seattle’s Jordan Morris game
Diego Chara phenomenal and is the foundation of the Timbers defensive game
Eryk Williamson looking good and with time the man will become another top defensive midfielder
Diego Valeri not so impacting in this match, still amazingly effective and opportune in the whole match
Man, of the Match
Yimmi Chara (POR)
Portland Timbers
Seattle Sounders FC
