Midfielder Rodney Wallace struck for the game-tying goal in the dying moments of the match as the Portland Timbers earned a 1-1 draw against Cascadia-rival Seattle Sounders FC before a crowd of 40,150 at CenturyLink Field on Saturday evening. The Timbers out-shot Sounders FC 13-7 in the match and held nearly 60 percent of the possession in the second half, but trailed 1-0 into the final minutes due to a 13th-minute goal by Seattle's Eddie Johnson. In second-half stoppage time, Wallace headed home the equalizer from near the penalty spot to cap Portland's comeback, securing a point on the road and a point in the Cascadia Cup standings. Wallace scored his second-career, game-tying goal against Seattle, defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste recorded his first MLS assist and midfielder Diego Valeri attempted a team-high five shots to lead the Timbers (0-1-2, 2pts) in their first road match of the season. Johnson tallied his first goal of the season and midfielder Steve Zakuani logged the assist as Sounders FC (0-1-1, 1pt) picked up their first point of the regular season. Wallace entered the match as a substitute in the 80th minute and found his first goal of the season one minute in second-half stoppage time. Jean-Baptiste settled a cleared ball by Seattle out on the right side and sent a long ball back into the penalty area. Making a run through the box, Wallace jumped up near the penalty spot and headed the equalizer inside the top right corner of the goal. Sounders FC staked the lead in the 13th minute on Johnson's goal. Zakuani gained possession of the ball at midfield out on the left flank and broke free up field. He threaded a cross into the box that just beat the diving reach of Portland goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and connected with Johnson streaking at the back post. Johnson one-timed his shot in from close range. The Timbers came close to finding the equalizer minutes after Seattle's goal, as forward Ryan Johnson headed a cross from defender Michael Harrington off the base of the right post in the 15th minute. Portland has another chance hit the woodwork in the 49th minute, when Valeri's free kick from 25 yards out struck the top right corner of the goal. Portland's defense held Seattle to just seven shots, the fewest number of shots taken by a Timbers opponent through the first three matches of the regular season. Ricketts recorded two saves, including one on a dipping shot by Johnson from inside the box in the 20th minute. The Timbers have an extended break before their next match on Saturday, March 30, on the road against the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park; kickoff is 3 p.m. (Pacific). The matchup against the Rapids will be televised live on ROOT SPORTS, with radio broadcasts on 750 The Game and in Spanish on La Pantera 940 AM.
I had almost given up hope when they scored. I'm still getting used mls play and it all looks a little hectic out there, but I loved the spirit and never give up attitude. That said, the giveaway that led to Seattle's goal was pretty horrible. How do you pass it that far behind a player that is only 10 or 20 feet away? It was like a play out of a high school game. All in all though, a tie up there is a good result. Hopefully as the season progresses the passing and ball movement will get a little crisper. Hopefully I'll be able to make it up to a game this year.
Chara def had an uncharacteristic game for him. That said I think that backpass was more of a miscommunication. Zemanski went for a bombing run down the wing, while Chara thought he was staying back. Overall though this season is 1,145,489% better than last year. We had no heart last year, and would have crumbled to give up another goal in the past. Will Johnson has done wonders for this squad.
Probably the case. That's what I'm hoping gets smoother throughout the season. The comfortableness that comes with playing more and more games. I didn't see much last year, so I can't comment on the improvement. I do remember a lot of people complaining about Jewsbury. I was surprised that he was still starting. Is that just a result of of needing to bring in even more players? Or was his bad play overstated?
yeah in time they will hopefully Gel more. Zemanski has normally been playing as a Defensive Mid, with reserves, so I can def understand there being some uncomfortableness. Jewsbury will be decent this year, as he will finally be being used properly. Under Spencer and somewhat as necessity I admit, he was being playing as a CM who would would trek forward quite a bit, and he just isnt built for that. Now under Porter he is strictly a CDM and usually at the bottom of a Diamond Midfield. We still are a few players short, but thats more in the backline. Midfield is pretty well loaded. This is Jewsbury's last year of his contract, and with his age, I can see him transitioning to a different role. His bad play was warranted, but unfair at the same, he wasnt that good, but was put in a position to fail. My main gripe was him being "Captain Invisible" as we referred to him, as you would often forget he is on the pitch. Which was horrible on a team that already lacked a spine. Now he can provide veteran leadership, but doesnt have to be the A-Hole on the pitch that this team needed (Thanks again Will Johnson!)
