Match 5: Portland Timbers 2-1 Rochester Rhinos

The Bottom Line: For the second straight game at PGE Park, Brian Farber and Ryan Pore scored to lift the Portland Timbers to victory. After teaming up to defeat Carolina two weeks ago, the Timbers midfielders provided the goals to top the Rochester Rhinos (3-2-1, 10pts) on Thursday evening in front of 7,556 in Portland. Farber netted the game’s first goal in the 40th minute when he took a pass from Mandjou Keita and scissor kicked it past Rochester keeper Scott Vallow. Playing a man down in the second half, the Rhinos found an equalizer when Darren Kenton knocked one past Portland (2-1-2, 8pts) keeper Steve Cronin after a scrum in front of the goal. In stoppage time, Timbers defender Stephen Keel was shoved in the box, leading to a penalty which Pore calmly hit low and to the left to beat Vallow. With the victory the Timbers extend their unbeaten streak to four games. The loss snaps a three-game winning streak for Rochester.

Timbers lineup
POR: GK Cronin, D Hayes, D Keel, D Knowles, D Thompson, M Pore, M Claesson, M McManus (Nimo, 87), M Farber (Suzuki, 70), F Keita, F McLaughlin (Savage, 65)

Did you notice…

• As luck would have it, I was able to watch the final 10 minutes of the match bootlegged on the computer. Without knowing the context of the game, it looked to me like the Timbers were a hungry team, playing with a sense of desperation to pick up three points at home. They kept up the pressure and lo and behold they got a call at the end.
• If I were a Rochester fan, and thank goodness I am not, I would be upset to have the game end with a penalty. From my Portland fan perspective, it was the right call. Keel was leveled away from the ball behind the play. A cheap shot. The referee certainly didn’t have to call it, but he did. Would he have called it if this game was in Rochester? Probably not.
• Based on the highlight of the first goal by Farber, it looks like it was the result of a great effort from Keita. Nice to see him acting as a playmaker. Nice to see Farber acting as a kamakaze.



• After tallying 24 shots against Cleveland the Timbers took 25 shots against Rochester. That two-game total might surpass all the shots attempted in 2008.
• Rochester was called for 21 fouls. The Timbers were whistled for 10 fouls. At this rate the club might win the sportsmanship award this season.
• I’m interested in hearing your thoughts about the game. Who played well, who didn’t, etc.

  W-I-N
  

  Slicing some wood
  

  Attendance Watch
  2009 Game 1: 8,549 Game 2: 6,742 Game 3: 7,556 Average: 7,615
  2008: Game 1: 10,977 Game 2: 4,921 Game 3: 9,894 Average: 8,597

  Attendance is down but keep in mind last year’s first game was the Timber Jim retirement night and game 3 was against Seattle and the team started with three straight wins and the owner wasn’t being demonized in the press and I actually attended matches and…

  A loss in the family
  I’ve been thinking a lot about family recently. The prospect of becoming a father does that — my wife and I are expecting our first child in November. For many years the Timbers and the Timbers Army has served as my surrogate family. I don’t have any blood relatives on the west coast and I rarely make it home to see my parents. Going to Timbers game has provided me with something that other people get by going to family meals or celebrating holidays with loved ones. Year after year I have returned to the Timbers family. I’ve seen people get older, I’ve welcomed new family members, and I have taken part in celebrations, both joyous and sad. Over time I have come to expect to see the same familiar faces at the games. One of those faces belonged to a man named Howie. The General has stood in the north end for almost as long as I can remember. He’s brought joy, passion, and a warmth to my Timbers experience. Howie recently passed away. His departure is the cause of much sadness. It also has served as a reminder of how lucky I am and how lucky we all are. In good times we have a family to celebrate with. In tough times we have a family to fall back on. At all times will have Howie’s spirit with us. Much more eloquent words here.

  Bottom line: This was a good and much needed three points to pick up. After leaving two points on the pitch in Cleveland, the Timbers beat a Rochester team that is experienced and talented. Points at home are key in this league. Points at home against playoff-bound teams are even more key. The referee might have helped, but based on what I can ascertain the result is justified. Now on to a brutal road trip to play a pair of games against Puerto Rico.

  Match Reports

  • Sad day in Portland gets last minute lift as late PK gives Timbers 2-1 win (Soccer City USA)
  • Official Match Statistics (USL Soccer)
  • Farber, Pore lead Timbers to 2-1 win over Rhinos (Portland Timbers)
  • Rhinos Lose Heartbreaker in Stoppage Time (Rochester Rhinos)
  • Portland 2, Rochester 1: Ryan Pores’ penalty kick feels like victory at PGE Park (The Oregonian)
  • Rhinos lose at Portland on late penalty kick (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
  • Portland Timbers finally get a break (Davidrites)
  • Date night: Timbers soccer (Playing House)
  • Some super photos (Alex McDougall)

  Lead Photo: Allison Andrews/Soccer City USA

  Center Photo: Alex McDougall

  
  
  
  
  
  
  Category: Match Reports
  Tags: Match Reports
  
  
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