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Dike Goal Helps Timbers Defeat Rapids 1-0

September 1, 2012 - Major League Soccer (MLS) Portland Timbers

PORTLAND, Ore. - A first-half goal by forward Bright Dike was backed by a solid defensive performance, anchored by goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts' four saves, as the Portland Timbers defeated the Colorado Rapids 1-0 before a sellout crowd of 20,438 at JELD-WEN Field on Friday night.

The capacity crowd on Friday was the Timbers' 31st consecutive sellout at JELD-WEN Field since joining MLS in 2011.

The Timbers (7-13-6, 27pts) claimed the lead just before the break when Dike tallied the eventual game-winning goal in the 45th minute. Ricketts helped guide the defense to its fourth shutout of the season and its first clean sheet since mid-May, and in the end, Portland captured a second consecutive win for the first time this season.

Dike tallied the first game-winning goal of his MLS career, midfielder Darlington Nagbe earned his first assist of the season and Sal Zizzo matched a career high with his third assist on the campaign for Portland. Ricketts logged his fourth shutout this season and his first as a member of the Timbers.

Goalkeeper Matt Pickens recorded two key saves and forward Tony Cascio attempted a team-high three shots for the Rapids (8-17-2, 26pts). With the loss, Colorado is winless in its last four matches.

After missing on a rolling shot in the 35th minute, Dike made no mistake on a chance just before halftime. A build up down the right side through Nagbe set up Zizzo for a sharp cross into the box. On a run in on goal, Dike got to the ball just ahead of Pickens and knocked in the match's lone goal.

Dike's goal was part of a late offensive spark for the Timbers at the end of the first half. Nagbe nearly put away the Timbers' second goal of the half in first-half stoppage time, but his chip shot towards an open goal missed just wide. Moments before Dike's goal, a deflected shot by Franck Songo'o was kept out by a kick save from Pickens.

Midfielder Martin Rivero one of Colorado's best scoring chances on the night in the 17th minute, but his shot on goal from inside the box was knocked off course by Ricketts. The Rapids nearly leveled late in the match, but forward Omar Cummings' glancing header from six yards out off a cross from the right side skipped just wide of the left post.

In the second half, Pickens made another all-out diving save to tip high a hard, driven shot by Portland's Jack Jewsbury aimed at the top left corner of the goal in the 54th minute.

The Timbers and Rapids close out a home-and-home series on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Dick's Sporting Goods Park; the two sides will meet for a second time in five days. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (Pacific) live on NBC Sports Network. A live radio broadcast will be available on 750 AM The Game and in Spanish on La Pantera 940 AM.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 1, 2012


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