Game 3: Montréal 1 – Timbers 1

2010 Match-Up Images Courtesy of Spacewalk Creativ

The first away game of the season saw Portland Timbers earn a 1-1 draw with defending playoff champion Montréal at the Saputo Stadium. Ryan Pore netted a Timbers’ goal for the fourth time this season but his 67th minute effort was cancelled out when a questionable penalty gave Nevio Pizzolitto the equalizer on 82 minutes. The Timbers played well enough to win in Québec but an away draw, especially against a strong club and in front of a large crowd, is not the worst possible outcome. The shared points keep Portland atop the USL Conference table on seven points and keeps the league’s best goal differential intact as well.

Perhaps what will be most disappointing for the Timbers was not the late foul against Quavas Kirk on Panamanian international Roberto Brown, or even the eight yellow cards handed out by overzealous referee John Oliva, including six in the second half. Portland will certainly rue all of the build-up and possession throughout the game that ultimately led to just one goal. Montréal were a strong side but Portland were in control of the match for large stretches of the action. Brian Farber was busy as ever on the right and Johan Claesson was much improved in the center of the park. His passes were crisper than they were back in Portland and his vision created opportunities that could have led to goals. James Marcelin continued to be a strong force in defensive midfield, breaking up Montréal’s movement through the middle and giving a physical quality usually unseen in the Timbers midfield.

Obviously Pore is the story, particularly nationally where his name is quickly becoming synonymous with scoring in the second division. What has been under reported thus far is how nice his service has been on his goal-scoring chances. Each of Pore’s three outfield goals in this young season have featured assists, each one from a different player. OJ Obatola and George Josten in the April 22 rout of St. Louis and young Doug DeMartin in Montréal. The rookie forward recorded his first assist as a Timber in feeding Pore, furthering the interesting trend of Timber forwards assisting on a midfielder’s goal. Pore again found space by cutting into the center from the left flank, taking advantage of his inside-out positioning.

Ultimately this game can be seen as two points lost instead of a point gained. But the Timbers can feel good about their efforts and know that there will not be much more difficult an atmosphere to be faced away all season. With Cascadia rival Vancouver Whitecaps coming to PGE Park on Thursday April 29, Portland will have to put the away draw behind and focus on a difficult early-season clash.

Category: Portland Timbers, USSF Division II