Valeri’s 16th Minute Goal, Clark’s Defense Late Gives Portland 1-0 Win Over RSL

The Portland Timbers took an early lead and needed to keep Real Salt Lake off the board for 74 minutes at Providence Park.

Despite a scare late, the Timbers held on with a mixed-and-matched back four. Portland was dealing with injuries to many of the defensive back four, and yet they battled through to snag all three points against Real Salt Lake.

Portland took their 1-0 lead in the 16th minute off a Diego Valeri strike.

The Timbers played great defense, and Steve Clark was spectacular at the end of the game.

Renzo Zambrano fouled Nedum Onuoha just outside the 18-yard box, and then Zambrano was shown the door with a red card for bumping the referee.

RSL was rewarded a free kick just outside the box. The kick went towards the right post, Clark sent it wide but right to the feet of Aaron Herrera.

Herrera took a shot at the goal, but the ball sailed high over the crossbar. Timbers win 1-0.

Up next the Timbers will battle Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Match Highlights:

Diego Valeri Goal 16′ 1-0 Timbers

Steve Clark Two Saves at the end of Stoppage Time

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