On Saturday, the Portland Timbers finally saw their 10-game unbeaten streak come to an end with a 3-1 loss to Toronto FC.
Their hot streak began when they came out of the midseason international break.
The Timbers currently stand 8th on the Western Conference table with eight wins, twelve draws, and seven losses.
Takeaway
The Timbers’ fairytale dreams were dashed, with the loss bringing them back to reality.
Coach Giovanni Savarese weighed in, saying:
“It’s difficult when you’ve been competitive and you’ve been able to find ways to always get points game by game.”
“When you come to a game like this and you don’t find anything in regards to points, then it’s tough.”
“It’s a feeling we haven’t felt in a while… but there is a lot to learn from this game that we need to understand in order to move forward.”
“In moments, not everyone was putting in the same amount of work that needed to be put in. Nevertheless, with that, we were still able to defend the majority of the time well.”
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Portland Timbers starting eleven
For the matchup, Savarese fielded the following:
- Aljaz Ivacic
- Josecarlos Van Rankin
- Bill Tuiloma
- Dario Zuparic
- Claudio Bravo
- Diego Chara (captain)
- David Ayala
- Santiago Moreno
- Sebastian Blanco
- Yimmi Chara
- Jaroslaw Niezgoda
The substitutes:
- David Bingham
- Pablo Bonilla
- Larrys Mabiala
- Zac McGraw
- Dairon Asprilla
- Marvin Loria
- Cristhian Paredes
- Eryk Williamson
- Nathan Fogaca
Match recap
The Portland Timbers traveled to Canada with all their players healthy.
However, the recently injured didn’t start, presumably as a precaution.
Instead, Claudio Bravo got the nod to the starting eleven while Eryk Williamson and Cristhian Paredes started on the bench.
During the first half, Toronto kept the pressure on the Timbers, dictating affairs and pushing them into their own box.
Italian duo and new signings Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi proved to be a thorn for the visitors. Finding more space as the half played on.
Toronto finally took advantage of the space as Richie Laryea found Jonathan Osorio in the box, who slotted in the goal to break the deadlock.
Portland finished the half at a disadvantage and without opportunities to level the field.
Once the second half started, Portland were rejuvenated with Eryk Williamson and Dairon Asprilla on the field.
Their introduction led to a consistent offense that ultimately led to a goal, courtesy of Josecarlos Van Rankin – it was his first goal for the Portland Timbers.
Despite things turning up for the visitors, Toronto scratched and clawed to turn the tides in their favor.
Insigne and Bernardeschi netted late, sealing their victory and ending Portland’s unbeaten run.
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Aftermath
With the final whistle, home fans celebrated while the Portland Timbers left the pitch with the taste of defeat in their mouth – the first in more than two months.
Portland has a chance to restart next Sunday as they face Sporting Kansas City.
References:
Match recap & highlights: Portland Timbers 1 – 3 Toronto FC
Portland Timbers’ 10-game unbeaten streak snapped with road loss to Toronto FC
