Game 22: St. Louis 0 – Timbers 1

A first half goal from Bright Dike was enough for Portland Timbers to end a run of four games without a win and earn a 1-0 victory away to AC St. Louis. The change in fortunes after the horrifying 3-0 loss last month is encouraging as the Timbers scored first, played well defensively and were able to earn a result when it was very much needed. Portland are now in fourth place in the playoff race, three points clear of Carolina, Puerto Rico and Minnesota.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the game in St. Louis was the inclusion of Ibad Muhamadu in the starting XI and his attacking mentality. The new signing from Holland fired five shots and teamed well with Dike up front, challenging the St. Louis defense time and again. The powerful combination of the two forwards bodes well for the remainder of this season, finally giving the Timbers a competent offensive duo.

Portland’s defense was good enough as Steve Cronin recorded his eighth clean sheet of the season. Captain Ian Joy watched the game from the Bitter End Pub in Portland as his red card against Minnesota prevented him from traveling to St. Louis. Ross Smith returned to the line-up and played well in the skipper’s absence. That kind of overlap in defensive duties is encouraging at this late point in the season.

Category: Portland Timbers, USSF Division II