The Portland Timbers ended their unbeaten 10-game streak on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat to Toronto FC.
Their streak began when they wrapped their mid-season international break. The Timbers are now in eighth place at the Western Conference Stable.
Takeaway
The Portland Timbers dropped points and suffered their first loss in over two months as the loss brought them back to reality.
Coach Giovanni Savarese said:
“It’s difficult when you’ve been competitive and you’ve been able to find ways to always get points game by game.”
“When you come to a game like this and you don’t find anything in regards to points, then it’s tough.”
“It’s a feeling we haven’t felt in a while… but there is a lot to learn from this game that we need to understand in order to move forward.”
Read also: MLS: Portland Timbers Win the Derby Against Seattle Sounders with 3-0 Victory
Portland Timbers starting eleven
For the matchup, Savarese fielded the following:
- Aljaz Ivacic
- Josecarlos Van Rankin
- Bill Tuiloma
- Dario Zuparic
- Claudio Bravo
- Diego Chara (captain)
- David Ayala
- Santiago Moreno
- Sebastian Blanco
- Yimmi Chara
- Jaroslaw Niezgoda
The substitutes:
- David Bingham
- Pablo Bonilla
- Larrys Mabiala
- Zac McGraw
- Dairon Asprilla
- Marvin Loria
- Cristhian Paredes
- Eryk Williamson
- Nathan Fogaca
Match recap
The Portland Timbers traveled to Canada with all of their healthy players.
However, those who came back from injury did not start, probably as a precaution.
Instead, Claudio Bravo was given the starting XI, while Eryk Williamson and Cristhian Paredes started on the bench.
Throughout the first half, Toronto kept the pressure on the Timbers, dictating the game and forcing them into their own box.
The Italian duo and newcomers Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi proved to be a thorn in the side of the guests, finding more space throughout the half.
Toronto finally benefited from space when Richie Laryea found Jonathan Osorio in the box, which led to the goal and broke the impasse.
Portland finished half in a disadvantage and without the possibility of leveling the field.
When the second half began, Portland was rejuvenated with Eryk Williamson and Daron Asprilla on the field.
Their introduction led to a constant offense that, in the end, led to a goal, thanks to Josecarlos Van Rankin, which was his first goal for the Portland Timbers.
While things were going well for the visitors, Toronto scratched and clawed to turn the tide in their favor.
Insigne and Bernardeschi scored in the final minutes, sealing their victory and ending Portland’s unbeaten run.
Aftermath
At the final whistle, the home fans celebrated as the Portland Timbers left the pitch with the taste of defeat in their mouths, the first in more than two months.
Portland has a chance to restart next Sunday when they face Sporting Kansas City.
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References:
Match recap & highlights: Portland Timbers 1 – 3 Toronto FC
Portland Timbers’ 10-game unbeaten streak snapped with road loss to Toronto FC
