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Valeri, Accam exchange goals as Timbers tie Fire

Photo by Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports

The Portland Timbers and Chicago Fire saw their Designated Players score within a two minute span, but neither side could distance themselves from the other in Saturday’s match.

Diego Valeri and David Accam each provided goals, but neither star could lead his side to victory in a 1-1 draw at Toyota Park. The tie sees the Fire snatch the club’s 11th point of the season while the Timbers now sit on 16 through 14 games.

The two goalscorers found the back of the net just two minutes apart, with Valeri providing the game’s first tally. The Argentine’s finish came as a result of a misclearance from Fire defender Rodrigo Ramos, who failed to properly take care of a loose ball with Valeri on his back. The Timbers playmaker pounced on the mistake, burying a shot past Sean Johnson in the 18th minute.

Accam responded almost immediately, burying a shot after an extended sequence of Fire possession. Played in by Kennedy Igboananike, Accam flicked a shot first-time, besting Jake Gleeson for the Fire’s only goal.

Following the tie, the Timbers return to action against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 1, while the Fire are off until a June 18 visit to the Colorado Rapids.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Throughout Saturday’s match, the Fire proved to be the better side but the hosts were repeatedly undone by Jake Gleeson. The Timbers goalkeeper made five saves, including a spectacular stop on Kennedy Igboananike in the 65th minute.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

With his side down a goal, David Accam provided a equalizer just two minutes after going down. The Fire forward’s finish helped the team jump back into the game and put them on the front foot for the rest of the match.

MATCH TO FORGET

Rodrigo RamosĀ was at fault for the Timbers’ opener, and the Fire defender was substituted in the 83rd minute of what proved to be a frustrating tie.

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