POSTGAME: Timbers Leave Montreal With 1 - 1 Draw

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For their first road trip of the season, the Portland Timbers will have to settle for a 1 - 1 draw, as a controversial late foul whistled on defender Quavas Kirk resulted in a PK kick and ultimately the game-tying 80th minute goal by Montreal. The Timbers seemed to be on their way to 1-0 victory, taking the lead on a goal by Ryan Pore in the 67th minute. However, late in the game when Impact forward Roberto Brown tried to cut through the box, he became tangled in the arms of Kirk, and quickly dropped to the ground drawing the call from referee John Oliva. Impact team captain Nievo Pizzolitto then calmly stepped up and blasted a low, skimming PK shot past keeper Steve Cronin.

Although earning a draw against the defending league champions is far from a disappointing outcome, especially on the road. The Timbers still allowed the opportunity to gain 3 points in the standings slip through their fingers and that will surely sting a bit. The question is did the they allow the victory to escape them or did they have it taken away? It's always tough to have a call go against your team late in a match and although Kirk unquestionably placed his hands on Brown, the contact appeared minimal and Brown's fall was likely exaggerated. Still, Portland remains unbeaten on the year with a record of 2-0-1.

Certainly, the Timbers played well enough to leave with a win. Perhaps playing their best game of the year, Portland was patient and efficient offensively, passing the ball well and creating open spaces on the field. Defensively, the entire team was solid as well, aggressively breaking up runs, collectively shutting out Montreal for most of the match, and holding them to only 2 shots in the 1st half. The backline saw a boost with the return of team captain, Ian Joy, who provided some steady play. Defenders Steve Purdy and Mamdou Danso did a great job starting in the center back positions, clogging up the middle and routinely making key tackles. Purdy had multiple goal saving plays on the afternoon and nearly had a goal of his own around the 50th minute, on a header shot off a corner kick that was stopped by the face of Impact midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo. Quavas Kirk also impressed again with his athleticism and well-rounded skill set, his presence felt on both sides of the field, one moment tracking back to make a tackle and then turning around to help initiate a run on the other end.

The Timbers will regret not being able to convert on some golden opportunities. Portland applied a lot of pressure early, nearly scoring on a handful of plays, including a chance in front of the net around the 15th minute for forward George Josten that was broken up before a shot could be fired. As the half drew to a close, Montreal would begin to settle down as Portland grew a bit impatient and the match would remain scoreless heading into the locker room.

The Timbers continued playing solid soccer in the 2nd half, making good first touches and playing unselfishly, eventually leading to a breathtaking run by Pore, who took a pass from Doug DeMartin and weaved his way through a handful of Impact defenders to put the ball past keeper Matt Jordan. Pore has now struck for 4 goals on the season and 1 assist, meaning he's been involved in every score for the team this year. The Timbers would find other chances. In the 74th minute, forward George Josten failed to convert, when another nice run through the middle by Pore found Brian Farber cutting to the corner, who then put a perfect cross in place to Josten. Josten would have an open window for the shot, but missed wide. Portland would bring in a slew of subs near the end of the match to try and pull out the win, their best chance perhaps coming in extra time on a free kick taken by Rodrigo Lopez, that crossed across the box, but couldn't find a home.

Portland was out shot by Montreal 7-6 and the Impact also took 5 corners overall to the Timbers 3. Also, although a fairly physical match with 26 fouls called and 8 cautions, I was impressed by Montreal's class on the field. Even on roughly contested plays and in situations when things could have become heated, Montreal stayed cool, opting for handshakes instead of, you know........ well, lets just say nobody got choked today. The Timbers will now play 4 consecutive games at home, with 5 out of their next 6 games at PGE, as well as a friendly on May 1st against Puntarenas FC - a great chance for them to take control of the USSF league standings. Currently with 7 points, Portland is tied for 1st place with long-time rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps. And Portland's next game? This Thursday, at PGE Park, against Vancouver.

Extra notes: Mandjou Keita was out of the line-up again for Portland. Word around is that he's having some travel issues, but hopefully will get them resolved soon.... Doug DeMartin recorded his first official assist as a professional and as a member of the Portland Timbers, subbing into the game around the 60th minute for OJ Obatola...... Referee John Oliva certainly became yellow card happy today, handing out 4 cautions to each team and an almost astounding 6 yellows given in the 2nd half alone..... Attendance was taken at 13,034 in Saputo Stadium, solid numbers for Montreal's home opener.....

Full Box Score

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* Photo credit to Montreal Gazette online website.