MLS Portland Timbers

Comprehensive Performance Guides Timbers to Shutout against Chivas

August 10, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Putting together a strong performance on both sides of the ball and benefiting from two first-half goals, the Portland Timbers earned a clean sheet with a 2-0 win over Western Conference foe Chivas USA before a sellout crowd of 20,814 at Providence Park on Saturday night.

Midfielder Diego Valeri tallied his fourth goal in as many matches, setting a Timbers MLS record for goals scored in consecutive games, and midfielder Rodney Wallace registered his first goal of the season in the win. Defensively, the Timbers stymied Chivas USA, collectively holding the visitors to just one shot on goal as goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made his one, and only, save in the 83rd minute.

Portland's first clean sheet at Providence Park in 2014, the win placed the Timbers (7-7-9, 30pts) into a tie for fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Portland has recorded three wins in its last four games and at least one point in 12 of the last 16 regular-season matches, dating back to April 27.

Starting on the front foot, Valeri received a pass from midfielder Diego Chara near the center of the field and dribbled straight toward goal, eluding a defender before delivering the opening goal with a drive from distance in the 10th minute. With the goal, Valeri pulled into a tie for the Timbers MLS career record in goals scored (17), jointly held by midfielder/forward Darlington Nagbe.

After midfielder Will Johnson struck the left post with a shot from distance in the 25th minute, Portland doubled its lead six minutes before halftime as forward Fanendo Adi controlled a cross from Valeri before touching the ball to Wallace near the goal box. Wallace fired in a right-footed volley in the 39th minute, recording his first goal in just his third start of the season after recovering from offseason knee surgery.

The loss is the fourth in a row for Chivas USA (6-11-5, 23pts) while Portland extended its unbeaten streak against the Southern California side to six consecutive matches (4-0-2), dating back to the start of the 2013 season.

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