Recap:
Darren Mattocks and the Portland Timbers got the best of the Union this year. Mattocks picked up an assist on both of Portland’s goals. Leaving the Union’s record this season against western conference teams at 1-6-3.
First half was a scoreless draw between the two sides. Both teams had chances to take the lead but neither team could finish their chances. In the 32nd minute, Tranquillo Barnetta run through the Portland defense and played the ball to CJ Sapong in the 6 yard box, only to watch as CJ’s shot hit the post. 6 minutes later in the 38th minute, Timbers had their best chance when Fanendo Adi heading his shot just wide of goal after a great cross from Alvas Powell.
Portland started off the second half with a bang. Diego Valeri put the Timbers up 1-0 within 25 seconds of the second half whistle. The goal came off a mistake from Keegan Rosenberry who was too aggressive tracking down Darren Mattocks on the touchline, allowing the winger to get past the rookie before laying off a pass to Diego Valeri in front of goal. A minute later, the Union had an answer with a Chris Pontius’ shot outside of the 18, finding the back of the net to tie the game back up at 1-1. Then in the 53rd minute, Darren Mattock blocked a pass from Rosenberry in the Union’s half. Mattocks recovered the loose ball and dribble down the field to within the eighteen and took a shot. The shot was redirected into the goal by Fanendo Adi to give Portland a 2-1 lead. The last important event in the second half happened in the 85th minute when Joshua Yaro was sent off after seeing a second yellow.
Another game down and 4 to go until the end of the regular season. Next week, the Union will travel to Canada, to take on Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC.
Notes:
-This was Brian Carroll’s 366th appearance in MLS, putting him at 4th all-time in MLS history.
-Pontius’ 11th goal of the season was also the 300th franchise goal for the Union
-Who will start at center back next week in place of Josh Yaro? First name to come to mind is Ken Tribbett. However, next week’s opponent is Toronto and the last time these two teams met, Tribbett got pulled after the first half for a poor defensive showing (He did have a nice offensive performance, delivering a diving header goal). Depending on how Maurice Edu is feeling, we could see the return of Mo next week at centerback…
-Rookies part 1: Darren Mattocks got the most of Keegan Rosenberry in this game. Both Timbers’ goals came off of mistakes from Rosenberry and both were pounced on by Mattocks.
-Rookies part 2: Union rookies did not have a good game this weekend. Josh Yaro was sent off in the 85th minute after seeing a red card for picking up two yellows. Leaving the Union to try and equalize with just 10 players.
-Montreal, DC and Orlando all either lost or drew their games this weekend, keeping the Union in 4th place in the East.
-CJ Sapong is goalless in the last 6 games. August 13th was the last time CJ has put the ball into the back of the net.
