Challenges considered, Timbers happy to take a point

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports Well, it’s not three points, but it is something. The Portland Timbers came out of the first of two matches with the San Jose Earthquakes with a 1-1 draw in a game that could’ve easily gone one way or the other. The Timbers held the lead for 75 minutes up until a goal from Vako, and the Earthquakes seemingly had a million opportunities in those final 20 minutes. It very easily could’ve been three points for Portland assuming they hold their lead, or three points for San Jose assuming one of their 19 shots goes in.

But in the end, if you’re the Timbers, you’ll take points however you can get them. None of the conditions leading into the game were ideal. They…