The Portland Timbers picked up a vital three points in the Western Conference playoff race on Friday, besting a heavily rotated New York Red Bulls side 2-0 at Providence Park.
The game was scrappy on both sides, and each side struggled to put together good chances through the first hour. The Timbers took the lead in the 65th minute, as Diego Chara's cross was redirected in by Diego Valeri. Portland were down to 10 men in the final 10 minutes, as Larrys Mabiala was given a straight red card for a foul on Gonzalo Veron. But the Red Bulls could not find the equalizer, although they put Portland under considerable pressure at the end.
Darren Mattocks scored an insurance tally on the final kick of the game, as he and Valeri pushed a late counterattack to pay dirt.
Goals
Next Up
- Friday, Aug. 25 – vs. New York City (7 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada)
