Timbers Extend Unbeaten Streak to 10 Games
Saturday saw the Timbers continue their unbeaten run to 10 games with a draw against conference rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Both teams were keen to capitalize on solid performances from the week before but neither team really controlled the game in the enemy’s final third. The Timbers displayed their typical dominance in the midfield in the first half but could not link up with their offensive players as BC Place watched countless passes run astray from the Timbers offense.
Midway through the 1st half the Whitecaps were given the lead through a well-struck free kick by Camilo. The foul by Will Johnson that led to the free kick was what would be the first of many controversial calls by the referee, Matthew Forester, who did not have the easiest match to call in his first game as a professional referee.
Camilo fires home:
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The second half was more of the same from both teams, great runs marred by poor passes. However the goal scoring soared from a 1-0 game to a 2-2 draw.
A penalty kick in the 52nd minute was converted by Will Johnson to tie the game at 1-1 but Vancouver came down the field immediately to snatch the lead once more as Koffie found space on the top of the box and finished superbly to Donovan Ricketts left side.
Will Johnson hushes the crowd:
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Koffie responds:
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Finally in the 84th minute, after the Timbers had seen their center defender Futty Danso harshly sent off just minutes before, Will Johnson lobbed a hopeful ball forward that found Jose Aldofo Valenica on the top of Vancouver’s 18-yard-box. The 21-year-old Colombian forward brought the ball down on his chest between two Vancouver defenders. The young forward still had much to do as he was well covered, and on his own using a great piece of footwork he was able to dupe the defense and find himself one on one with ex-Timber Brad Knighton and calmly slot home a clutch finish.
Valencia proves his worth:
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The game puttered out after that as the Timbers were content to take a tie on the road due to only having 10 men on the field.
Valencia, Will Johnson and Diego Chara were stand out performers as the Center Defensive Midfield duo was able to cover the Portland defense and be a constant thorn in the Vancouver’s side. Chara continues to be a hub for the team, as he seems to know exactly where he needs to be on the field, while Will Johnson is the fire that every team captain should have. Valencia looks impressive and at his young age all Timbers fans should stoked to have such a cool headed player in front of goal.
