By Victor Gallardo
Blue skies, 83° weather, and a home crowd ecstatic to see their club clinch a third straight win was the welcoming site at Providence Park on this first Sunday in September. Portland, participating in their third game in ten days, and dressed in green and gold, would seek an astonishing third win in as many games. Giovanni Savarese’s team would begin play with a 4-3-3 formation headed by Dairon Asprilla, Yimmy Chara, and Sebastian Blanco. Meanwhile Atlanta, looking to bounce-back from a Wednesday evening thrashing by red-hot Philadelphia, would commence with decorated striker Josef Martinez on the bench.
With the Timbers Army on their back, the Timbers would attack south to begin the game. Precisely, it was Portland who quickly became the more aggressive side, making Atlanta’s defense uncomfortable on a couple of plays in the first 12 minutes of the game. As the game progressed, it would be the midfield that found itself in possession of the ball for the majority of the next 10 minutes. It wouldn’t be until the 29th minute that Portland’s attack began to shine. It was Santiago Moreno who shone above all, participating in key plays that would result in an eventual first blow.
Santi, as creative as he is, showed the comfort level he has reached in MLS, and appeared to be playing his Colombian version of ‘Joga Bonito’, dazzling the home crowd, loud gasps and ovation every time he had the ball. His charismatic style of play ultimately rewarded him in the 36th minute, when a loose ball in the box landed at his feet. Santi quickly controlled the ball and in an attempt to dribble into a shot, was taken down by an Atlanta defender looking to clear the ball. The Cali, Colombia native stepped up to the spot, and coolly netted the PK into Gudiños’ right upper 90. The home crowd roared and green smoke per usual quickly filled the stands. Another remarkable first half, Aljaz Ivacic, who with a couple key saves, kept Portland in the clean sheet in the first 45 minutes of play. The game went into halftime break with the Timbers up, 1-0.
This time pushing towards the ever-fervent Timbers Army, Portland would attack north as it looked to add to their lead, and at the very least, secure the three points with as little drama as possible. Much of the second half saw both teams battle it out for possession, with mild lever approaches by either. It would be until the 77th minute that a run down the middle from Marvin Loria, and a shot that sailed over the crossbar would get Timber Joey to rev his chainsaw and the crowd back on their feet in pursuit of the second goal. A replica of the first half, Portland’s gameplay was rewarded in the 82nd minute. Club captain Diego Chara would be brought down in the box on a counter attack, and fellow Colombian Dairon Asprilla claimed the opportunity. Dairon made no mistake, and as Gudiño dove to his right, Dairon nailed it to his left. 2-0 Portland. Second green smoke session of the evening. Timbers in full control in their pursuit for three points.
Portland would stumble on their way to victory however, allowing an open Josef Martinez to score a header following a corner kick in the 87th minute. The ensuing three minutes of regulation became mayhem. Portland denied a third goal from the line, and Atlanta making Portland’s defense uneasy with a couple of late corners. Five minutes of added time would not ake a difference in the end, as there would indeed be a party in Portland, and all three points were securely in the bag. A 9-point 10-day stretch completed for Portland, with LOTS of praise for Santiago Moreno.
During the post-game press conference, TImbers captain Diego Chara put it straight forward and boldly stated, “Everyone knows Santiago is a talented player, we don’t have a doubt about that.”
The man of the match himself gave his insights on the game. Santiago Moreno had praise for head coach Giovanni Savarese, crediting the confidence he has grown to have with him, and him providing him opportunities to play. “It’s always nice to score, and especially when it gives you the opportunity to continue pushing [to the playoffs]. I’m thankful to have been able to score.”
Portland gets to stay home this upcoming week as they await the visiting Loons, Minnesota United FC on Saturday September 10th at Providence Park.