Rodney Wallace returned from three weeks of international duty in historic fashion. Portland’s starting left wing became the first player in club history to record three assists in a single game. This win extends the Timbers’ unbeaten streak to 15 matches and puts them in a tie for first place in the MLS with Real Salt Lake.
Sunday’s lineup featured changes from prior weeks for both teams. In addition to Rodney Wallace, Ryan Miller started in place of the injured Michael Harrington and Frederic Piquionne started ahead of forward Ryan Johnson. For Colorado, German Mera came in at center back for Mullan, sliding Marvell Wynne over to RB. Additionally, Nick LaBrocca started at forward in place of Edson Buddle.
The first half started off with a fast, high-pressure Colorado attack. Deshorn Brown took a shot in the first minute that nearly beat a diving Donovan Ricketts. This would end up being the Rapids’ best attempt of the first half. Between minutes five and ten the match was a series of counter-clear-counter-clear with no shots on frame for both teams.
The Timbers opened their account in the 11th minute. Will Johnson played a free kick fast to Rodney Wallace on the left wing. Wallace crossed into the center of the box to Frederic Piquionne who blasted it above and past Colorado keeper Clint Irwin for the lead.
Portland scored for a second time in the 44th minute thanks to a beautiful volleyed goal from team captain Will Johnson. Piquionne headed on a goal kick which Rodney Wallace caught and controlled. Wallace drew two defenders, cut back, and played a trailing Will Johnson who flicked the ball up and between two defenders and struck it past Irwin. Two goals for Portland and two assists for Rodney Wallace.
Nick LaBrocca nearly got a goal back for Colorado in the 58th minute. Deshorn Brown beat Timber’s RB Ryan Miller and got inside the box where he passed off to LaBrocca. LaBrocca shot far-post with his left foot and beat Donovan Ricketts, but couldn’t beat Jack Jewsbury who cleared the ball of the line.
In the 84th minute Portland ended the game with a third assist for Rodney Wallace and a goal for Ryan Johnson. Ben Zemanski intercepted a pass in the Rapids’ defensive third and passed to Wallace on the wing. Wallace one-touch crossed to an open Ryan Johnson who easily put the ball past Clint Irwin.
Game Notes:
1. Portland’s fifteen game unbeaten streak is the longest streak in team history and tied for third in league history.
2. This is the first time in club history that Portland has ever been number one in either conference or league standings.
3. Frederic Piquionne’s first MLS goal was the 100th goal scored for the Portland Timbers. He also scored the English Premier League’s 10,000th goal.
4. Portland has not allowed a goal at home in the last six matches and has kept clean sheets over the last three consecutive matches.
(image courtesy of Craig Mitchelldyer)
