The Portland Timbers had a bad first half and just weren’t able to recover from it. The Orlando City SC came out in the first half a lot more aggressive than the Timbers did, the Lions played like a team that had something to prove. They simply dictated the tempo of the game by controlling & winning the possession battle in the first half; the Lions simply won the midfield battle. Orlando City SC played a lot better than their record shows; they have a very strong back line & a strong midfield that’s able to push the ball.
The Timbers were able to come out in the second have and match the Lion’s intensity and even controlled the ball most of the second half. The Timbers had opportunities to score, but just weren’t able to find the back of the net. Then in the 84 minute the Lions were award a penalty kick that was blocked by goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, however encroachment was called and this time Ricardo Kaká was able to put the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0.
This was a very tough loss for the Timbers who face a tough upcoming schedule with six of their next eight games being on the road and away from Providence Park. Next up, the Timbers head to Yankee Stadium to play against New York City FC.
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