Behind a game-winning goal in stoppage time by midfielder Kalif Alhassan, the Portland Timbers escaped Puerto Rico with a narrow 1-0 victory, as the team continues its push towards the playoffs.  With 2 games left in the regular season, the Timbers (12-7-9) are currently riding an eight-match unbeaten streak and have tallied 4 consecutive shutouts, further solidifying their 4th place position in the overall league standings. Portland has put together its best run of soccer during the streak.  In the last 5 weeks, the Timbers have outscored their opponents 10-3 and held teams scoreless 6 times on their way to a 5-0-4 record.

With the field rain-soaked and muddy, both teams were bogged down by the poor conditions, but fought hard to make adjustments and gain some advantage.  The Islanders adapted quicker, controlling possession in the rain and outshooting Portland 9-3 in the 2nd half and 12-6 overall.  However, it was Portland that was able to capitalize on a late-game mistake (so often this season it has been the other way around), as Puerto Rico keeper Will Gaudette was caught off his line, allowing Alhassan the space to chip in a 25-yard shot that floated over Gaudette’s head and into the back of the net.   Truly, a skillful and top-notch goal by the 19 year old rookie from Ghana.  Making his first start for the Timbers, Alhassan’s fantastic performance not only included playing a full 90 minutes, but he also lead the team with 4 shots on goal.

Defensively, Portland was tight and stingy once again.  Stephen Keel, Quavas Kirk, Ross Smith, and Ian Joy started on the backline, and played with the usual aggressive and physical style that has characterized this team throughout the season.  The Timbers were blown for 17 fouls and booked for 2 yellow cards, including a late-game caution for midfielder James Marcelin (his 5th of the season), who will now be forced to sit out the team’s next match.  The Timbers were already without the services of striker Bright Dike who was suspended for a game for his 5th caution of the year, and have numerous other players up against the limit as the season winds down.

With the postseason rapidly approaching, teams are starting to lock into their spots and potential 1st round match-ups are becoming more and more likely. Trailing Austin by 5 points and with 4 points in hand over Carolina, the Timbers are sitting quite comfortably in 4th place overall in the playoff race.  The top two teams from each conference (NASL & USL) will get the top two seeds for the playoffs, with the other seeds determined by record regardless of conference.   It’s likely Portland will face Carolina in the 1st round, however, it’s far from set in stone.  Carolina could not only overtake Portland for the 4th seed, but it could still win the NASL division and claim the #2 seed, as they only trail Vancouver by 3 points in the table.

The Timbers will get a week to rest and practice until the next match on their schedule – Saturday, September 25th against Crystal Palace Baltimore at UMBC Stadium.

== BOX SCORE ==

* I apologize for the quick and bare-bones write-up.  Unfortunately, I was only able to watch about half of the game due to some issues with my wireless connection.  Another reason I can’t wait until next year!

Related posts:

1. A Rugged Draw in Carolina
2. Timbers Practice 9/16/2010