Timbers Overcome Two Late Whitecap Penalty-Kicks To Earn 3-2 Victory
In their 100th all-time meeting, the Portland Timbers defeated Vancouver 3-2 after two late penalty calls going the Whitecaps way at BC Place.
“It was a game we suffered a little bit more than we needed to,” said Timbers Head Coach Giovanni Savarese.
The game was full of drama late but early on Portland got a penalty kick of their own when Marvin Loria got bumped from behind in the box. Dairon Asprilla stepped up in the 42nd minute to convert.
The game was largely even at the half with Vancouver having the upper hand on chances while Portland gained more possession.
Vancouver was the aggressor in the second half, ultimately outshooting Portland 17-5 but Portland attacked on the counter in the 60th minute to record a second goal.
The nifty move in the box by Jaroslaw Niezgoda secured his second goal of the year and was needed after all the pressure the Timbers were soaking up.
Portland tacked on their final goal in the 78th minute when Yimmi Chara roofed it past Keeper Thomas Hasal in the 78th minute.
Three goals mark the highest tally of the early 2022 MLS season for Portland but Vancouver tried their best to claw back, winning a penalty in the 86th.
It was a massive save by Alijaz Ivacic to preserve a two-goal gap which was needed when Vancouver earned and scored another penalty deep into stoppage time.
Vancouver has only lost two of their last 12 at home, the Timbers are now responsible for both the defeats. Next up for Portland is a road match next Saturday against the Houston Dynamo at 3 PM.