The Portland Timbers took the lead twice, but FC Dallas came back twice for the teams to end their encounter in a 2-2 draw at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
The Timbers went ahead at the half-hour mark off a free kick, as David Guzman's service was headed in by Fanendo Adi. Maxi Urruti tied up the score for FC Dallas in the second half, but Sebastian Blanco retook the lead for the visitors. Tesho Akindele got the last say, however, with his 80th minute tally to bring Dallas back once again.
Goals
- 30' – POR – Fanendo Adi Watch
- 61' – DAL – Maxi Urruti Watch
- 71' – POR – Sebastian Blanco Watch
- 80' – DAL – Tesho Akindele Watch
Three Things
- DALLAS STAY UNBEATEN: The Timbers gave them a scare, but with the draw, Dallas remain the league's lone unbeaten team on the season . Given the run of play, it's a fair result, too, for both sides. There was something for just about everyone in this game. It offered slow build-up and quick counters, good individual attacking efforts and strong defense, and a little bit of a playoff intensity for two teams who look like they might meet in the post-season come autumn. It may not be a classic, but it was a solid effort by both teams for 90 minutes.
- BLANCO DEPUTIZES WELL: The big question coming into the game would be how the Timbers would fare, on the road, minus the likely MVP front-runner through the first two months, Diego Valeri. With the usual No. 10 out with a hip injury, his Argentine compatriot Blanco moved over and put in a solid shift that included a goal. Surely the Timbers will want Valeri healthy and in the lineup very soon, but Blanco's game likely put minds at ease that there is an option behind the normal starter.
- BIG GOAL FOR AKINDELE: The former MLS Rookie of the Year has settled into a substitute's role with FCD recently, but his 90-minute shift complete with a goal on Saturday has likely boosted his chance of getting more minutes. Akindele was far from out of Oscar Pareja's rotation, but he may be in line for more starting time with a timely equalizer.
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