Timbers Hand Sporting KC First Loss

April 21, 2012, 10:45 pm

Looking for their first win in over a month, the Portland Timbers were desperately looking for a break to turn around the disappointing start to the season.
They finally got that break, and it came at the most unlikely time - in a game against undefeated Sporting Kansas City.

Portland was the beneficiary of a Sporting KC own goal in the 41st minute and it would prove to be all the offense they would need as they held on to win 1-0 in front of the JELD-WEN crowd, handing Kansas City their first loss of the season.

Chance Myers was attempting to clear away a Kris Boyd cross, but the ball came off his head awkwardly, ultimately shooting past keeper Jimmy Nielsen for the own goal.

Sporting KC tried to come back in the second half, and were able to keep the ball on the Timbers' side of the pitch mostly, but could never quite capitalize. Eric Brunner and other members of the Timbers were able to come up with some timely defense.

Fatigue may have played a factor for Kansas City in the game, as this was their third game in eight days. Meanwhile, the Timbers hadn't played since last Saturday.

The victory was also Keeper Troy Perkins' 50th career MLS victory and first shutout of the season.

The Timbers travel to Montreal next where they will face the Impact on Saturday.