The Portland Timbers once again entered stoppage time with a one goal lead, as they had several times this month, but this time they held on for a 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Yimmi Chara had the single goal for the Timbers while Steve Clark recorded the shutout.
The Timbers would get the first good chance of the match, when in the 14th minute, Pablo Bonilla’s ball into the box found a wide-open Larrys Mabiala near the top of the box, but his one-timer was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper Evan Bush.
Just before the end of the first half, Vancouver had their best chance to level when long-time Timbers foe Fredy Montero chipped Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark as he charged into the box, but the ball ended up being cleared off the goal line by Diego Chara.
Just after the hour mark, the Timbers finally broke through when Yimmi Chara played Jorge Villafaña through on a run into the Whitecaps box, who played a soft pass back to a charging Chara, who side-volleyed the ball into the Whitecaps net, and the Timbers had a 1-0 lead.
The Whitecaps would have their best chance to equalize in the 80th minute, when Ali Adnan played a low pass into the box that was one-timed by Lucas Cavallini from near the penalty spot, but Clark made a nice reaction save to keep the Timbers in the lead.
In stoppage time, Timbers forward Jaroslaw Niezgoda went down with what appears to be a serious knee injury and had to be stretchered off the field. But the Timbers would hold onto their lead and emerge with a 1-0 win.
Steve Clark and Evan Bush would record two saves each for their respective teams.
MATCH RECAP | Portland Timbers 1, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 | Timbers Website
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS | Portland Timbers 1, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 | Nov. 1, 2020 | Timbers Website
