If MLS matches were only 75 minutes long, the Portland Timbers just might be a first-place team. Unfortunately for the Timbers, playing well for 90 minutes has proven to be impossible.
Montreal scored a pair of goals in the final 15 minutes to send Portland to another defeat in a match where John Spencer's team looked capable of earning a point or three. Bernardo Corradi scored the opening goal and helped set up Sinisa Ubiparipovic's insurance goal to give the Impact their second victory of the season.
Portland came in riding high off a win against previously undefeated Sporting Kansas City, but the Timbers offense struggled to find any rhythm against an improving Montreal defense. The Impact looked like a rested team coming off a bye week, particularly in the second half as they pounced on a Timbers side that looked to fade late in yet another match.
Montreal took the lead on a questionable penalty call against Steven Smith, who saw a loose ball hit his leg and bounce up and catch his arm. Corradi converted the penalty to give the Impact the lead.
Ubiparipovic closed things out with a streaking run into the area, where a pass found him wide open for his second goal of the season.
Here are the match highlights:
What did you think of this match? Impressed with Montreal's defense? Think Corradi might be the forward the Impact need to lead the attack? What do you think is wrong with Portland? Have an answer for these late-game collapses?
Share your thoughts below.