On a pitch perfect summer evening in the Rose City, the Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids got stuck in in a key Western Conference battle. Though the Timbers dominiated possession in the first half, it was the Rapids who drew first blood.
In the 16th minute following a Colorado corner kick and a mad scramble in the box, the ball trundled in for a Rapids goal. In the aftermath, Deshorn Brown was credited with tally.
The second half saw more pressure from the Timbers. After a double substitution brought in both Maximiliano Urruti and Gastón Fernández, Portland began to push forward with more energy. In the 72nd minute, their work was rewarded. Following great build up play with a nice side flick, Will Johnson spied Jack Jewsbury on the right wing. Jewsbury cut it back on the endline for Urruti on the near post and the striker slammed it home.
Not five minutes later with the Timbers energized, Diego Valeri lined up an absolute rocket of a shot--and sure-fire MLS Goal of the Week candidate--that found the upper 90. The gorgeous strike by the Argentine gave the Timbers a 2-1 lead that held up for the victory.
