The Portland Timbers broke their two game winless streak with a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, with Darlington Nagbe and Darren Mattocks scoring the Timbers goals while Fredy Montero had the lone goal for the visitors.
The Timbers would control much of the early possession, and it only took 18 minutes to make it pay off. Midfielder Darlington Nagbe dribbled in from 30 yards out, fought off several Vancouver defenders before hitting a dipping shot from near the top of the box that caromed in off the crossbar to give the Timbers the 1-0 lead.
In the 40th minute, the Timbers would double their lead when Diego Valeri played a nice low cross to the foot of former Whitecap Darren Mattocks, who was charging towards the near post and one-timed a shot past David Ousted for the 2-0 lead.
Vancouver would have the majority of the good chances in the second half, and Fredy Montero‘s chip pass nearly connected with Andrew Jacobson who had made an open run to the fair post but the ball was just outside his reach. The Whitecaps would cut the lead in half in the 59th minute when Christian Bolaños drew a penalty for contact in the box. Montero would take the penalty kick which was saved by goalkkeeper Jeff Antinella, but Montero was able to put home the rebound and the lead was cut to 2-1.
In the 76th minute Montero would again threaten the Timbers net when his tight angle chip attempt slipped just past the far post.
Timbers midfielder Valeri, who had been roughed up with several hard fouls, would leave on a stretcher in the 80th minute.
The Whitecaps would have a few good chances with free kicks just outside the box late in the match, but would never find the net again and the Timbers would hold on for the 2-1 Cascadia Cup win.
Timbers Match Report | Video Highlights
That Blanco picture is astounding! Great work!