Portland Timbers Roar Back to Score Draw with RSL

In what many would describe as a good point given the state of the match, a Fanendo Adi brace saved the day for the Timbers in a frustrating match against Real Salt Lake. Whilst a pessimistic supporter would look at the fact a comeback was even needed, a late rally from Portland’s finest made sure that a point was put on the board rather than none.

With 62 shots in just three MLS games so far, the Timbers certainly know how to make the opposition work! This match was only the latest in a match which seen the men in green rattle the opposition time and time again, only to find the proverbial brick wall waiting for them in return.

The match began in earnest fashion with the away team starting fast, opening the scoring in just the 12^th minute when Joao Plata scored a wonderful edge of the area free-kick. The game looked to be in the command of the away side before talisman Kyle Beckerman made a foolish tackle on the Nigerian forward, Adi. A straight red was produced and, with that, so did the momentum of the game.

However, momentum means nothing without goals and RSL made the most of that through former Spartak Moscow forward Yura Movsisyan. The Armenian, who was a hit in the MLS in the past with rivals Seattle Sounders, scored his second goal of the young season in the 58^th minute to put what seemed to be a solid lead against a majorly frustrated Timbers team.

Dairon Asprilla reacted first for the Timbers with a lovely chipped effort that rebounded off the crossbar, before the bouncing ball dropped to the predatory Adi. Sniffing out a chance, the big Nigerian slotted his effort beyond RSL keeper Nick Ramando and made a game of it once again.

It took only five minutes for Adi to complete the comeback, with a penalty awarded from a foolish Jamison Olave tackle. Bringing down Adi in the box led to a spot kick, which he duly dispatched. The Timbers had numerous attempts during both halves to finish the game long before the late rally was needed, but it will be pleasing to both fans and Caleb Porter that the team showed this strong resolve to come back from adversity.

The Timbers return to MLS play when they head off to play Orlando City SC on Sunday, 3^rd April.