The Portland Timbers put in a strong defensive performance on Saturday night, shutting out visiting Real Salt Lake in a 1-0 win to break their two-game losing streak. The match was punctuated by an opening goal from Diego Valeri and a closing red card from Renzo Zambrano, and six big saves from keeper Steve Clark.
The opening moments of the match saw both teams threaten to score with attacks cutting in from the flanks. First the Timbers found Brian Fernandez in behind the RSL back line, but the forward’s low-angle shot safely hit the side netting of Nick Rimando’s goal.