After a poor start to the 2024 season, the Timbers are starting to hit their stride, and have now won three of their past four matches, winning 2-0 on the road against Austin FC on Wednesday night. Evander and Jonathan Rodríguez would have the goals for the Timbers.
In just the 13th minute, the hosts were awarded a penalty kick on a foul by Diego Chará in the Timbers box. Sebastián Driussi (who was the Austin player who had been fouled) stepped up to take the kick, but his chance was saved nicely by Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis, and the match remained scoreless.
In first half stoppage time, Austin would have a few great chances, including one from just a few yards out by Driussi, but the chance was saved nicely be Pantemis. But then shortly afterwards, Portland’s Evander had a free kick from 25 yards out, directly in front of the Austin goal. The Timbers midfielder curled a perfect shot just inside the right post, which Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver had no chance at saving, and the Timbers had a 1-0 lead at the break.
In the 64th minute, the Timbers would be awarded a penalty kick themselves, when Antony was fouled in the Austin box. Jonathan Rodríguez would take the kick for the Timbers, and Stuver dove in the wrong direction and the Timbers forward finished easily, and the score was now 2-0.
Both teams had a few half-chances late in the match, but neither team would threaten to score, and the Timbers held on for the 2-0 victory.
