Game 14: Timbers 1 – Rowdies 0

Bright Dike continued his fine run of form and Portland Timbers recorded consecutive league victories for the first time since April with a 1-0 win against Tampa Bay Rowdies. Dike’s second half goal came after rattling the post on two earlier attempts as the Timbers once again dominated the game in attack. Futty Danso, Alex Nimo and Doug DeMartin all had fine efforts toward goal, but it was only Dike who broke through and prevented yet another disheartening draw at home.

Gavin Wilkinson was clearly saving certain players for Wednesday’s US Open Cup tie with Seattle Sounders as he rested Ian Joy, Stephen Keel and Mandjou Keita. Youngsters Dike, Nimo, DeMartin, Josh Cameron and Derek Gaudet all featured in the starting XI for Portland and each contributed positively to the victory. The tactic mostly worked as only Keel came on late when the Timbers went ahead and Wilkinson went with five at the back to defend the rare lead. Nimo and Dike starred, controlling possession in the midfield and up front, respectively. Dike played well both with his back to the goal and barreling forward as only he can.

The three points gained today at PGE Park are impressive, considering how much the Seattle encounter looms in the minds of all Portlanders. The win also bumps the Timbers up to fourth place in the USL conference, overtaking defeated Tampa Bay. Portland are just three points shy of second place but a full eleven points below leaders Austin, whom the Timbers held to a scoreless draw away.

Category: Portland Timbers, USSF Division II