A win is a win is a win is win. That’s the biggest takeaway from the Timbers 3-2 victory against the Minnesota Loons on Saturday night. The game certainly wasn’t short on suspense, as once again it came down to the final minutes for Portland. This time however, the Timbers had the 12th man advantage and managed to cling to a victory in front of the Army. Even en-route to a win, the Timbers still surrendered their league worst, 8th goal in the 75th minute or later. Those late game woes will still need to be cleaned up before the Timbers can begin their climb back up the standings, but this game was surely a step in the right direction.
The Timbers once again were fueled by the creativity of Sebastian Blanco, who has been a nightmare of an assignment for every team lined up against him so far this year. But despite his efforts, the best of the Timbers offense actually came from a defender by the name of Alvas Powell. The 23-year-old was sensational throughout the game, so much so that he was awarded the MLS player of the week. Powell got the scoring started when he was delivered a simple outlet pass on the wing around mid-field and proceeded to split two defenders with an incredible burst of speed, keep the ball on his feet and then blow past a second a second pair of defenders, juked that second pair again with a shake and bake for good measure, pushed it to his right and rocketed a near-post goal…all in one run. Admittedly, Westmount Pinot Gris was spilled in the scrum that ensued, but if you haven’t seen the goal yet, stop what you’re doing—it’s worth it. Powell was also responsible for setting up the second goal shortly after his first, as his cross in the box slightly deflected off a defender’s head directly to the foot of Maestro, whose effortless volley to the bottom of the far-post was nothing short of poetry. I guess that’s what you get from a reigning league MVP.
We’re ecstatic to finally be in the win column, but we’re hungry for more. The Timbers still need to play a complete 90-minute game, and sure up the inconsistencies but they’re showing way more on the offensive end, and the defense is tightening up as well. They also look much more in tune with each game you play, which is to be expected from a new manager in his first year. As the Timbers start to bloom, we can happily report that so too is Westmount vineyard. We hit bud break on the same week the Timbers returned home and got their first win. One might say that’s just a coincidence, but we’re not convinced. #RCTID