Back at Providence Park for the first time since May 22, the Portland Timbers (3-7-6) destroyed the Colorado Rapids (5-4-6) 3-0, picking up three much-needed points to distance themselves from the Western Conference basement. A penalty from Blanco and a brace from Niezgoda on either side of halftime were the difference for the Timbers.
The Timbers’ top-scorer Bill Tuiloma returned to the Starting XI, in place of the suspended Larrys Mabiala, after narrowly missing out on a World Cup berth while on international duty with New Zealand.
- 3’ The first big chance of the game fell to Yimmi Chara, who received a pass from Cristhian Paredes before firing a right-footed shot on goal that forced a low save from William Yarbrough in the Rapids’ net.