The Portland Timbers beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Saturday evening, taking their third win in a row and continuing their march back up the table after going winless in their first six matches.
After a Diego Valeri cross was whipped across the face of the RSL goal in the opening moments of the match, things settled into a stalemate with the home side holding the bulk of the possession in the attacking end. For their part, the Timbers settled into the same strong defensive shape that had served them well over the last two matches, looking to pick their moments to pressure the ball while shutting down the center of the pitch.