MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Come up Short in Road Loss to Toronto FC

Published on March 26, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


TORONTO - With two goals from forward Javier Martina, Toronto FC defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon. Despite holding the advantage in both shots and corner kicks over Toronto FC, the Timbers sustained their second straight loss.

Martina opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a shot from close range and then capped his brace in the 70th minute, chipping in a shot inside the left post on a counter attack. Portland, which held a majority of the possession in the second half, out-shot Toronto FC 11-10 and finished the contest with nine corner kicks.

Martina tallied his first two goals of the season, midfielder Dwayne De Rosario assisted the first of Martina's goals and forward Maicon Santos attempted a pair of shots to lead Toronto FC (1-1-0, 3pts). Toronto FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei earned the shutout on three saves and was credited with an assist on the long ball which set up Martina's second-half tally.

Midfielder Jeremy Hall attempted a team-high four shots, while striker Kenny Cooper attempted three of his own for the Timbers (0-2-0, 0pts). Goalkeeper Adin Brown made a key stop on a breakaway by De Rosario in the first half, but would eventually leave the match with a hamstring injury at halftime. Rookie Jake Gleeson entered the match in the second half and made three saves in his club debut.

After having a breakaway stopped short early on, De Rosario set up opening goal in the 14th minute. Fighting off Portland defender Steve Purdy along the right post, De Rosario laid the ball off to Martina charging in from the wing. In space, Martina slipped a rolling shot by Brown and inside the far post to give Toronto FC the 1-0 lead.

Toronto FC doubled its lead against the tempo of the game on a counter in the 70th minute. Following a Timbers corner kick, Frei picked out Martina streaking down field with a long punt. Gleeson played the angle on Martina along the right side, but the striker was able to chip a shot from the far right side of the box into the small space behind Gleeson. The ball hit off the far post and deflected into the back of the net.

Portland played the final seven minutes of the match with a one-man advantage. Toronto FC defender Mikael Yourassowsky was sent off after receiving his second caution in the 83rd minute while being subbed off the pitch.

The Timbers took control of the game in the late stages of the first half and was able to maintain possession for long periods throughout the second. Cooper took two of his three shots in the first half, including one in stoppage time from 25 yards that skimmed just high.Hall had the club's best chance of the second half in the 50th minute, but his shot from the right side missed just wide and found the side netting. For a second straight week, the Timbers played against an opponent in their season home opener.

Notes:

* The Timbers featured the same starting lineup against Toronto FC that took the field in the club's season opener last weekend against the Colorado Rapids.

* Martina's 14th-minute goal marked the second straight match in which the Timbers have allowed a goal in the opening 15 minutes of a contest.

* Entering the match, Cooper had scored six goals in four career games against Toronto FC. He was held in check against Toronto FC for just the second time in his career Saturday, with the previous time coming in a meeting between FC Dallas and Toronto FC in April 2009.

* Along with Gleeson, two others made their season debuts for the Timbers - midfielder Sal Zizzo and forward Brian Umony both came on as subs in the second half.

* Gleeson recorded his first MLS save in the 49th minute, turning away a shot from the top of the box by Santos, who scored last weekend against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

* Timbers defender Futty Danso was unavailable for Saturday's contest while away with The Gambia National Team, preparing for a friendly against Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, March 29.

* Toronto FC forward Alan Gordon started in his club debut Saturday. He played his rookie season with the Timbers' second-division club in 2004, scoring 17 goals and claiming the USL A-League Rookie of the Year award that season. Another Northwest connection for Toronto FC, starting central defender Ty Harden is a native of Junction City, Ore.

* Portland defender Kevin Goldthwaite played nine games for Toronto FC during the 2007 season. Saturday marked his fourth game against this former club since his departure.

* For a second straight game, the Timbers wore their all-green kits.

* Midfielder Peter Lowry was booked with the first caution for the MLS Timbers. He was carded following a tackle at midfield.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 26, 2011


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