Substitute Austin forward Will Bruin came on the 84th minute for Gyazy Zardes and the move became an timely one for Los Verde manager Josh Wolff, after his change stunned the Portland Timbers in stoppage time.
A draw with a taste of defeat it was for Portland (3-5-3, 12 points) contrary to a struggling Austin FC (2-4-4, 10 points), this draw had all the elements of a win for the Verde, despite both sides sharing the spoils.
With the Portland Timbers playing a great game in both halves and despite Austin scoring the equalizer in the 59th minute, the Rose City side had a lot of fight and its efforts paid off when Claudio Bravo scored the go-ahead goal in the 71st minute.
The Timbers were the first ones on the scoreboard when Dario Zuparic scored with a header that gave them the lead in the 33rd minute with an assist from Evander and beating his defender.
Juan Mosquera had the first chance of the game and Franck Boli had some opportunities missed after a play from Cristhian Paredes. Then, one from Evander in the 74th minute beating two Austin defenders, but seeing his efforts were useless.
Coach Gio Savarese decided to make some moves in the second half bringing Yimmi Chara for Marvin Loria in the 60th, Jaroslaw Niezgoda for Franck Boli and Dairon Aspirilla for Cristhian Paredes in the 78th minute.
The game had a set a new offensive tone for the Timbers, but coming short of their objective by missing a good number of opportunities to set the game tone and score a couple of more goals.
Within two minutes of the win, the Timbers center back Larrys Mabiala lost his mark and Will Bruin an old familiar face from his time with the Seattle Sounders now with Austin scored the equalizer for the final score of 2-2.
Nearly the win, but taken out in the last minute by a desperate Austin FC.
Goals
Dario Zuparic 33’ POR, Jon Gallagher 59’ ATX, Claudio Bravo 71’ POR, Will Bruin 90+2 ATX
Men of the Match
Claudio Bravo and Dario Zuparic
Next Matches
U.S. Open Cup on May 10, 2023, Real Salt Lake at 7:30 PM Providence Park
League Game on May 13, 2023, Vancouver Whitecaps at 7:30 PM Providence Park
