By AARON CRANFORD
The Portland Timbers thought they had won it, but like last year’s wild ending in Providence Park, the Los Angeles Galaxy would not be denied a share of the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw Sunday night.
In their only meeting in Portland last year, the Galaxy and Timbers both scored stoppage-time goals in a 1-1 draw. A year passed, and some things stay the same as two more late goals ensured both sides walked out of the building with only a point to show for their efforts.
Timbers forward Fanendo Adi scored a brace on the night, but it was his 90th-minute goal that sent the stadium into frenzy.
However, Galaxy substitute Alan Gordan, known for scoring late goals with the San Jose Earthquakes and for LA last year, latched his head onto a perfectly weighted corner kick from Stephen Ishizaki, and the ball looped over everyone and into the net.
Adi put the Timbers on the board first in the 31st minute with a curling effort around Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe. After controlling a Galaxy cross, Adam Kwarasey quickly put the ball into play, and with precise passing, including a heel flick from Darlington Nagbe, to move the ball up field, Adi coolly bent the ball around Rowe.
The Galaxy would not be shut out, and after multiple attacks to start the second half, Gyasi Zardes jumped in front of the Portland goalkeeper, deflecting Jose Villarreal’s whipping cross into the empty net. With the scoreline even in the 65th minute, both sides were desperate to find the winning goal in the waning minutes.
In the 90th minute, Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell sent a soaring long ball in the direction of a speedy run downfield by Nagbe. The midfielder easily controlled the ball mid-sprint, taking a touch toward goal and forcing Rowe to come out. At the last second, Nagbe sent a low cross to the top of the six-yard box, and Adi calmly slotted the ball over the line.
While everyone in Providence Park was still cheering and Timber Joey was still revving his chainsaw, Gordon headed his 92nd minute equalizer into the net. Once everyone realized what had happened, the only sounds to be heard in Providence Park were those coming from LA’s bench and Timber Joey’s chainsaw.
With the result, Portland has only earned two points in two matches with both being played at home. The Timbers will travel to Kansas City Saturday for their first road test of 2015. The Galaxy have four points in two matches and will head home to host the Houston Dynamo Saturday as well.
A fair result. What miserable weather. God knows why all the hipsters moved there. Nagbe fever?
Adi looked great, very confident and his finish on the first goal was perfect, well done young man! And a tip of the hat to Alan Gordon for again proving me wrong. Alan has gained a desire and dedication that for me was missing at his last tenure with the Galaxy. Well done Mr. Gordon keep proving me wrong please!
Portland’s performance points to why its so hard to repeat as Champions. The teams with expectations to be in the hunt, play against LA like they are trying to prove a point. The middle teams (like Portland) that will win some games but not be close to winning MLS Cup. play like a game against The Galaxy is their MLS Cup Final, they give everything and play far better than they normally do. Then there’s the teams that won’t even make the playoffs, they are relieved of the expectation to win, so there is no stress and they can play more freely and possibly get something out of the game.
Honestly it makes it more fun to watch the Galaxy games, every game is a hard fought battle.
Portland did not play better than they normally do. They are missing key players that prevented them from playing their style and had to play more direct. This fact also partially neutralized Nagbe’s impact since he is a small player with little chance of winning headers.
Gordo!