Despite coming out with energy, the Portland Timbers fell victim to an old nemesis: A set piece header. Jacob Peterson's 50th minute goal proved to be the winner as Sporting Kansas City held on to a 1-0 victory at home.

Portland still can't find success on the road

The Timbers still haven't won a game on the road in 2016. That's something that won't do them any favors in the playoff race as six of their final eleven games are played away from the Rose City. Coach Caleb Porter has got to get this under control. It simply isn't acceptable to go winless on the road a season after winning the MLS Cup. While Portland's defense has been dealing with injuries all year, one would still expect the offense to carry the team through at least once. Something has got to change soon if this team wants any shot at repeating their 2015 success.

Injuries and new players

This game was unique as both clubs were missing a defender due to suspension. Kansas City's Matt Besler and Portland's Liam Ridgewell were both held out due to missing the All-Star Game with injuries. A decision that seems harsh when applied to a player who could not have featured in the game due to injury anyway.

On the other side of things, fans got their first look at Portland's new left back Vytautas Andriuškevičius. The 25-year-old made his debut in the 69th minute, coming in for Zarek Valentin. He looked quite good in his limited minutes. He was overlapping with the attack and sent several crosses into the box from the left side, something that hasn't been there since Jorge Villafaña left Portland for Mexico. This is a player to keep an eye on. If the Lithuanian footballer can break into the starting lineup and keep the attack going, the Timbers should see more goals.

Free kicks continue to haunt Portland

While the Rose City club has been a tad better at defending free kicks in 2016 than in years past, bad memories linger in the minds of all fans. Today was no different as SKC's winning goal came from a header off a free kick. That wasn't surprising, given Amobi Okugo and Jermaine Taylor started at center back. They just don't seem to have the aerial defense that PDX needs. With Nat Borchers out for the season and Liam Ridgewell often out injured, another signing needs to happen for the backline.

There have been rumors of a new signing coming soon. Peter O'Rourke of ESPNFC links former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor to the Timbers as soon as this coming week. A veteran defender from England could be just what's needed for Caleb Porter's group. After all, it worked great with Liam Ridgewell.

Next Up

Portland now returns to the Rose City for a two-game home stand against CD Dragón in the CONCACAF Champions League and then a rematch against Kansas City. 

SKC has the rest of the week off before flying to Portland to see if they can take another three points off of the Timbers.