MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Battle Back for 3-3 Draw against Earthquakes

Published on September 7, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Midfielder Diego Valeri tied an MLS career-high with three assists and the Portland Timbers received second-half goals from defenders Alvas Powell, Liam Ridgewell and substitute midfielder Kalif Alhassan in a come-from-behind, 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,814 at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Timbers (8-8-11, 35pts) tallied the third-most shots in a single game in MLS history (32), and set MLS-club-record marks in shots on goal (13) and corner kicks (16) while consistently pressuring the San Jose defense. Maintaining nearly 58 percent of the possession in a dominant offensive performance, Portland attempted 19 shots in the first half, but conceded two goals against the run of play in the opening 48 minutes. Battling back from the two-goal deficit, Powell netted his second goal in as many games in the 54th minute and Ridgewell tallied his second career MLS goal for Portland with a one-time shot off a cross from Valeri in the 74th minute to tie the score, 2-2.

Forward Chris Wondolowski, who registered a brace for San Jose (6-10-9, 27pts), tallied the go-ahead goal off a header in the 85th minute. Wondolowski put the Earthquakes in the lead with a rebound off a shot from midfielder Shea Salinas in the 21st minute before midfielder Cordell Cato made it a two-goal lead for San Jose in the 48th minute, capitalizing on a deflected ball behind the Portland defense.

Portland has registered at least one point in six of its last eight matches (4-2-2), while moving into sole possession of fifth place in the Western Conference standings with seven matches remaining on the regular-season schedule.

Alhassan, who entered the match in the 61st minute, netted the game-tying goal with a close-range effort following passes from Valeri and Powell in the 86th minute. The goal was Alhassan's first of the season for Portland and extended the Timbers' home unbeaten streak against San Jose to five consecutive matches (2-0-3).

The Timbers forced San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch to make 10 saves, including six saves in the opening 16 minutes of the match. Valeri registered individual Timbers' MLS single-game records in shots (9) and shots on goal (5), while tying his own MLS single-game club record with three assists. Valeri now ranks tied for second in MLS with 12 assists and is one assist shy of tying his own club MLS single-season record of 13 assists set in 2013.

Notes:

- Portland attempted the third-most shots in a single game in MLS history (32) on Sunday against San Jose.

- Along with setting an MLS-club record in shots (32), the Timbers also tallied MLS club-record marks in shots on goal (13) and corner kicks (16).

- Midfielder Diego Valeri set individual Timbers MLS single-game records in shots (9) and shots on goal (5), while also matching his own MLS single-game record in assists (3). The multi-assist performance was the seventh of Valeri's MLS career and moved the midfielder into a tie for second place overall among MLS league leaders with 12 assists in 2014.

- Valeri has tallied at least one point in seven of the last 10 regular-season games for the Timbers, including five goals and four assists.

- With three assists on Sunday, Valeri has registered 10 or more assists in consecutive seasons.

- Valeri becomes just the second Timbers player all-time (all eras) to register 12 or more assists in consecutive seasons, joining NASL Timbers midfielder John Bain (14 in 1980, 12 in 1981).

- According to Opta, Valeri leads the league in chances created (83) in 2014. His 12 chances created on Sunday ranks as the most in a single match in MLS this season.

- Valeri attempted a Timbers MLS single-game record 14 corner kicks on Sunday against San Jose.

- Portland tied a Timbers MLS-club record with 19 shots in the first half, matching the mark set in the second half on June 11 in a 2-2 draw against FC Dallas at Providence Park.

- The Timbers have tallied 15 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season, which ranks first in MLS. Portland has also netted a league-best 27 goals in the final 30 minutes of matches in 2014.

- Portland ranks first overall in MLS with 31 second-half goals this season.

- With the draw, the Timbers remained unbeaten at home against San Jose in MLS regular-season play since 2011 (2-0-3). Portland improved its all-time MLS regular-season record against the Earthquakes to 2-1-6 overall.

- With the draw, Portland takes over sole possession of fifth place in the Western Conference standings with 35 points through 27 regular-season matches.

- Sunday's draw marked the second time the Timbers have battled back from a two-goal deficit to record a draw this season. Portland also overcame a two-goal deficit on June 11 in a 2-2 draw against FC Dallas at Providence Park.

- Defender Alvas Powell has scored a goal in consecutive matches.

- Midfielder Kalif Alhassan netted his first goal of the season on Sunday. The game-tying goal was Alhassan's fifth-career MLS goal for Portland.

- The Timbers have earned at least one point in six of their last eight matches (4-2-2).

- Midfielder/forward Darlington Nagbe made his 120th career MLS appearance on Sunday.

- Midfielder Will Johnson made his 175th career MLS appearance on Sunday and the 55th of his Timbers MLS career. Johnson also made his 35th consecutive regular-season start for Portland on Sunday.

- The Timbers tallied three goals in a half for the fifth time as an MLS club on Sunday. It was the first time Portland netted three goals in a single half since Oct. 26, 2013, in a 5-0 win over Chivas USA.

- Sunday's crowd of 20,814 marked the 65th consecutive sellout at Providence Park. The Timbers have sold out every regular-season match at Providence Park since their inaugural MLS season in 2011.

- The Timbers have battled back to earn at least one point in 13 of 19 matches when conceding the first goal this season.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 7, 2014


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