Dallas Vs Timbers

Therefore, a 2-2 draw was probably not what each team wanted but the way in which they got the point each will probably be a concern for Dallas but a positive for the Timbers. The Timbers have been a great addition since they came into the MLS with high crowds and a genuine atmosphere and style about the club; they are probably the most “likeable” of the MLS clubs at the moment to the outsider.

One of the most important things about this game, though, was the Timbers home form. It has been pretty impressive in recent times and with those crowds it’s no wonder. So it was to everybodies surprise that Dallas led 2-0 at half-time with goals from Fab Castillo and Blas Perez. Despite the Timbers enjoying third game in around ten days, they dominated the game and actually set a new record for shots in an MLS tie at 30.

The problem was that despite the possession and the shots, Dallas were lethal on the break. Having charged down the right, Perez put a lovely little ball into the box for Castillo who chested and finished with aplomb by the despairing Donovan Ricketts.

Things went from bad to worse for the Timbers. After enjoying a resurgence after falling behind, they conceded again in the 39^th when Tesho Akindele blew down the right (again!) on only his second MLS start and cut a lovely ball back to Perez – following a nice little dummy from the impressive Castillo – to finish the move off with supreme confidence.

Two up at the break and the Timbers looked to be in trouble, in danger of losing ground on the top of the table. However, after the break they barraged forward and eventually got their just rewards. With 19 shots in the second half alone, it’s fair to say that the Timbers probably deserved something from this game.

Dallas defender Je-Vaughn Watson lost his cool and brought down Fanendo Adi in the 78^th minute after much huffing and puffing, and Will Johnson converted the penalty to blow part of the house down for Dallas.

In the end, the big bad wolf struck and blew the whole house away when Dallas lost it. First Moises Hernandez was given an early bath for a stupid tackle on Danny O’Rourke and then Perez was sent off for a childish stamp on Pa Madou Kah.

Kah had made the impact they needed and with the last kick of the game just about he hit the needed equalizer, bagging a rebound from a Maxi Urruti shot and getting the draw for this club. This leaves Dallas where they were; level with the Rapids on 22 points, whereas the Timbers are two points behind in sixth with 20 points.

Image © Portland Timbers

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