Portland Timbers 1-1 FC Dallas (FC Dallas advance 8-7 on penalties)
Once again that infamous first round for the Portland Timbers became a one-off for them by dropping another heart-breaker in stoppage time and seeing how FC Dallas rose to the occasion.
With a match that the Timbers were in total control in both halves, posting a whooping 21 shoots overall and eight direct on goal, FCD keeper Jimmy Maurer stepped up his game and saved the day for the Texas side.
Jimmy Maurer will be a keeper the Timbers attackers will remember for a long time after the man had seven amazing if not valuable saves during the whole match adding to another brilliant performance in the penalty shootout.
Jorge Villafaña finally broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute with a combination from Yimmi Chara and Diego Valeri both contributing for what could been the game winning goal.
Disaster once again hit the Rose City team in stoppage time when a miscalculated defensive play gave an equalizer to Ricardo Pepi with another Timbers defensive meltdown.
Steve Clark almost cleared, but the rebound bounce in Pepi’s favor and we had a tie game with less than a minute left in regular time.
For a game that the Portland side had in its pocket with a clear dominance in both halves, it’s cruel to think the perseverance of the visiting team, saw in the end its efforts paid off in the penalty shootout.
Jimmy Maurer came inspired and culminated his work by putting a stop on Jorge Villafaña shot that ended the Timbers’ aspirations for another run towards MLS Cup.
In the end, this is the thrill of victory and agony of defeat, but not all is considered a total loss as these hardened Timbers won the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, and by moving against adversity this team overcame these obstacles and rose to the occasion.
A team with lots of spirit, unity and determination were this Portland Timbers, putting and amazing display of their game in this shortened season and now looking forward to a successful 2021!
Goals
Jorge Villafaña 82’, PTFC
Ricardo Pepi 90+3′, FCD
Highlights
Total domination from the Portland Timbers both halves and with near goal opportunities
Somehow, I do credit FCD keeper Jimmy Maurer heroics with a total of 7 saves
Yimmi Chara becoming an important offensive player for the Timbers
Diego Valeri as always, a leading figure in the Timbers attack along with an assist
Eryk Williamson injury the only negative of the game
Cristhian Paredes almost connecting a would-be goal and with an assist
Andy Polo with a bold move near another Timbers goal
Timbers again conceding the equalizer again in stoppage time in the 93’ minute
Pablo Bonilla doing the job defensively and looking solid in as a fullback in the right side
Worrisome for the Green and Gold with 21 shoots and 8 direct and only scoring one goal
Kudos to El Maestro Diego Valeri reaching another milestone with his 100 assists
Bravo for Blake Bodily making his debut in the playoffs as a substitute in Extra Time
Man, of the Match
Jorge Villafaña
Portland Timbers
FC Dallas
