Timbers Slip Through the Cracks on the Road to San Jose Earthquakes

As the defending MLS champions, the Portland Timbers – new and improved from a very exciting off-season – came into their first away game of the season against the San Jose Earthquakes ready to make a statement.

Unfortunately for the Timbers, they were sunk 2-1 in a battling away defeat that means they begin their away games in a negative format. In just their second ever trip to the Avaya Stadium, the Timbers were the dominant team in terms of shots – 16-8 – but their profligate shooting was to be their downfall.

First-half strikes from Chris Wondolowski and Quincy Amarikwa seen the Timbers go down 2-0 before a near-response from holding midfielder Diego Chara whistled into the bottom corner, off the near post in the second half.

Things started to fade away for the Timbers in a second half full of half-chances, and it took the Timbers until the 89^th minute to get on the scoresheet. Debutant forward Jack McInerney finished a lovely shot from a Nat Borchers flick-on, placing the ball beyond David Bingham, the Earthquakes keeper.

However, they were unable to turn the game on its head with a response, with the debutant forwards goal going down as a beautiful but ultimately pointless finish.

This will be a disappointing loss for the champions, as they were unable to get into their full stride. However, it’s still early in the season and despite the result, the performance was a strong one for a tough away venue. Critical mistakes at the back and more cohesion up front is sorely needed, but it’s something that will come with time – just look at the 2015 season.

Portland make their return home to Providence Park on Saturday as they take on Real Salt Lake.

Not much else I can say about this game mate it looked pretty meh!