On yet another picture perfect Portland summer evening, the Portland Timbers hosted Chivas USA with an important three points on the line.
In the 10th minute, Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri got busy. After a clever midfield takeaway by Portland's Diego Chara, he quickly fed the ball to Valeri. The maestro dribbled right up the middle with Fanendo Adi and Gastón Fernández making criss-crossing runs to provide cover. The defense parted and Valeri unleasted a 22-yard blast that found the back of the net. Valeri has scored a goal in four straight matches.
Timbers continued to pepper the Goats' goal and in the 39th minute, they were rewarded again. Valeri again started a sharp run of play with Chara on the right side. Valeri then crossed to an open Adi who tangled with a Chivas defender, as he fell, he tapped it to his right to a waiting Rodney Wallace in the six-yard box. Wallace then slammed it home for a 2-0 Timbers lead. It was Wallace's first goal of 2014 and first since Oct. 26, 2013 when he scored in a 5-0 romp over, coincidentally, Chivas USA.
