Timbers Take Care of Business in Houston

Portland has been inconsistent this season but after a massive win at Seattle last week, Portland showed consistent form defeating last-placed Houston 2-0 Friday night at BBVA stadium. Houston has been struggling and is now winless in 16 straight matches, not picking up a victory since May 22nd versus Vancouver.

Portland ignored the Houston record and came out strong, scoring two goals in the opening 20 minutes of the match. Yimmi Chara got the party started in the 15th minute swarming in to finish a rebound after a Michael Nelson save on Felipe Mora.

While Mora didn’t directly put his header home in the 15th minute, moments later he drew a penalty off the Houston keeper. Mora stepped up from the spot and slotted home his ninth strike of the MLS season.

Houston on the campaign is now 0-8-3 when conceding first so Portland going up two so early seemingly killed Houston hopes. While Steve Clark didn’t have to perform to the level he did against Seattle, the American shot-stopper still had five saves and collected his second consecutive clean sheet, the first time Portland has had two straight clean sheets this season.

Friday night marked just the second ever Timber win in the state of Texas. The Timbers now fly back to Oregon after a successful five-game road trip and face Vancouver at Providence Park next Friday. If Diego Chara presumably starts it will be his 300th appearance in a Portland kit.