Game 10: Austin 0 – Timbers 0

A nil-nil draw was all the Portland Timbers could muster in only their third road game this season, away to Austin Aztex at House Park. It can be described that way because the Timbers again outshot their opponents and again rung the post on several occasions without the satisfaction of putting one in the net. Despite that failure, the ability to complete a clean sheet against the league’s most explosive offensive team is a fine accomplishment for Steve Cronin and the four at the back. Obviously the Timbers need to be earning more than shared points going forward, but considering Austin had not lost since April, picking up a tough away point on Wednesday was a good result.

George Josten came closest to scoring when his second half shot rattled the crossbar after beating Austin goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo. Otherwise, Gallardo was up to the task of shutting down what turned out to be a fairly strong offensive effort by the Timbers. Ross Smith and Alex Nimo both had quality shots saved as the Timbers continue to do everything but find the back of the net.

Defensively the Timbers were strong against such a high-flying foe. Scot Thompson started in place of Quavas Kirk with Ian Joy, Stephen Keel and Smith giving Cronin more than enough cover to earn his third clean sheet of the season but first since April. Futty Danso also made a substitute appearance, returning to the pitch after missing several games with a hamstring injury. His availability could make the Portland defense even tougher, now with the inclusion of Smith and Joy’s return.

Even after sharing points against the league leaders the Timbers slipped to fifth place in the USL division table as NSC Minnesota defeated Montréal to pass the Timbers. Portland do have three games in hand against the expansion Stars. Now the Timbers travel even further east and even further south to face Miami FC Blues for the first time this season. A positive result would be a huge boost with US Open Cup play and a home-and-home series with Minnesota coming next week. Obviously the frustration of consistent offensive failure is mounting, but a nice result can be reasonably expected against a side who have won just once this season.

Category: Portland Timbers, USSF Division II