Before the 2015 season, Jack Jewsburyreflected on his five years with the Portland Timbers. He spoke about how his role with the team has changed through the years and how his versatility across the pitch has helped lengthen his career.
This season, that versatility was essential for Jewsbury. He's played in a critical role in the central midfield and bagged some critical goals—with memorable celebrations included—for his team at the most opportune moments.
Against the Colorado Rapids, the Portland Timbers clung late to a slim 1-0 lead. Then, in the 90th minute, Rapids midfielder Sam Cronin blasted a rocket past Adam Kwarasey, seemingly snatching a draw at the death.
Enter Jewsbury.
With just seconds remaining on the clock and the Timbers sending everyone forward on a last-ditch effort, Jewsbury got on the end of a redirected pass and put it low and hard past the keeper.
“Jack, the old salty dog, finding the goal at the end of the game, that’s a really special moment for him and for our club as well,” coach Caleb Porter said after the match.
But that wasn't all for this old salty dog.
History repeated itself a little over a month later, when Jewsbury struck again in stoppage time, giving the Timbers a 1-0 home victory against the San Jose Earthquakes and putting the team into a tie for third-place in the Western Conference.
“I grew up as a forward and I played as a forward all the way until my senior year in college,” Jewsbury said before the season, explaining that he was converted to central midfield at the MLS Combine. “It's just about how fast you can adapt, and luckily for me it's gone well.”
Drawing from the fountain of youth to find two game-winning goals? You could say that again.
