The Portland Timbers continue their abysmal road performance with a 3-1 loss in Dallas, Texas. FC Dallas came out strong and fast, putting up two goals in the first half. A third goal in the second half for the home side sealed things early. Luckily, Portland retains their sixth place standing in the Western Conference, while Dallas puts more distance between them and second place Real Salt Lake.
A quick start for Dallas
Mauro Diaz opened up scoring the 14th minute off a somewhat soft PK given by head referee Ted Unkel. This is the norm for Unkel, who is near the top of the league in yellow and red cards given. Jake Gleeson came out to face Michael Barrios and ended up clipping his leg, sending the defender to the ground. Barrios may have been on his way to the ground already, but Unkel appeared to have gotten things right on replay. Diaz stepped up to the spot and put the ball just left of the diving Portland keeper.
The next goal came just before halftime when Victor Ulloa powered home an uncleared ball from the penalty spot. Gleeson had already gone to ground for the previous shot and was unable to get back across goal. Caleb Porter's group went into the locker room with their heads and spirits low.
Portland stagnates in the second half
Darren Mattocks came on in the second half for Jack Barmby to try and bring some speed to the game. Suffice it to say, this didn't work. Save for a long-range Lucas Melano effort that struck the woodwork, the Timbers looked flat and tired throughout the second half.
A foul in the 53rd minute gave Mauro Diaz a chance to put a free-kick into a dangerous spot. His cross was perfect as defender Walker Zimmerman rose up over the Timbers defenders and headed the ball into the back of the net. Free-kicks will forever be the bane of Portland's soccer existence.
Diego Valeri did manage to get a goal in the 87th minute from a deflected Zarek Valentin cross, but it didn't mean much. FC Dallas simply played the ball around for the final few minutes until Ted Unkel called it over. 3-1 Dallas, Portland goes home with nothing and still has yet to get a single win on the road.
Next up
Portland has two games coming up this next week. One down South in Costa Rica, where they play Saprissa in a CONCACAF Champions League match this Wednesday. The next match is back in Oregon, against Real Salt Lake on Saturday. It'll be very interesting to see who Caleb Porter decides to take to Costa Rica. Timbers fans consistently speak out about the club not taking Champions League seriously, but Portland is at risk of missing the playoffs and need all the points they can get.
FC Dallas stays home this week and hosts the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. The home side should be feeling good, ahead of the Rapids by eight points.
