Portland Timbers Rally to Salvage A Point in a 4-4 Thriller Against Saint Louis SC

Portland saw yet another stoppage time drama in a 4-4 tie with Saint Louis City SC at Providence Park, in Portland, OR. A game that saw the visitors ahead on the scoreboard since a tenth minute goal by Simon Becher, St. Louis had the initiative all first half with an inspired goal keeper Roman Bürki getting in the way of Portland’s reaction.

Eduard Löwen would convert in minute 36 from the spot after a foul by Miguel Araujo on Simon Becher. In minute 37,  Jonathan Rodriguez would capitalize on Felipe Mora’s assist for the temporary 2-1, but Cedric Teuchert would restore the 2 goal advantage for St. Louis two minutes into first half stoppage time.

The second half would see the Timbers try to hack away at St. Louis’s dominance, with more pride than play, and it yielded a goal by Felipe Mora in the 57th minute. St. Louis wasn’t sitting back defending their advantage, and in just a minute after Mora’s goal, would restore once again the two goal advantage with a goal by Nökkvi Thórisson. A massive bucket of cold water into Portland’s attempted reaction.

Portland took the blow, and kept coming up in numbers, and in minute 64, Felipe Mora with an opportunistic strike would bring Portland back in the game again at 4-3. This time, Portland was able to hold on defensively, and poured energy on the attack pushed by their loyal fans. In minute 84, the Timbers were almost able to equalize, when Anthony scored a goal that was overturned by the referee much to the fans’ frustration. Chants censuring referee Ramy Touchan were increasing in volume.

Fan irritation climbed to higher levels with perceived time wasting antics by goal keeper Roman Bürki, that forced a 1- minute stoppage time period, and peaked when Felipe Mora was shown a red card for perceived violent behavior in a confusing play. Down to 10 men, and down one goal behind the scoreboard, should have been enough to seal the result, but Portland, kept at it, and nine minutes into stoppage, Evander Ferreira showed his class with a masterful free kick that would rescue one very important point in the race for the play offs.

Image gallery photos by Diego G Diaz.