New York Red Bulls desperately needed a road win in Portland but fell 2-1 to the Timbers after surrendering a 73rd minute goal at Providence Park on Saturday night. The game was one which Red Bulls were chasing most of the night, drawing level before again surrendering the game due to a defensive lapse.
New York had a shaky first half as the club found it difficult to control the game in the midfield. Portland played through Daniel Edelman and Peter Stroud, forcing fouls and frustrating head coach Sandro Schwarz. The Timbers pushed for possession, especially as Red Bulls made mistakes in passing and clearances. They found that moment in the 28th minute when a 50/50 header was won in the box, looping over the head of goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. It was Matias Rojas’ first goal with Portland and set the stage for a frantic second half.
Red Bulls brought on a new midfield in the second half, hoping to control the game and it paid off. The team was able to control larger portions and pass dangerously into the opposition’s box. That paid off in the 70th minute when a deflection fell to the feet of captain Emil Forsberg in front of the box for the equalizer.
Almost as quickly as New York scored, they gave the lead back in the 73rd minute. Portland pressured with precise passing in the box, leading to a cross past Coronel and to the foot of Antony. For the remainder of the game, Red Bulls pressured but lacked the clinical finish to find points against the Timbers.
It is the 10th loss of the season away from SI Stadium for New York, a fact that could be the defining reason why they do not make the playoffs in 2025. A loss by Chicago earlier in the night still keeps their hopes alive but a drastic change in their road form will be necessary in order to keep the 15 year playoff streak alive.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; Nealis, Eile, Parker, Edwards (81′ Morales), Stroud (46′ Donkor), Edelman (46′ Berggren), Carmona (64′ Hall), Forsberg, Sofo (81′ Ngoma), Choupo-Moting
Portland Timbers FC: Pantemis; Mosquera, Surman, Zuparic, Fory, Ortiz (75′ Chara), Rojas (57′ Da Costa), Ayala (75′ Paredes), Velda (81′ Lassiter), Mora (57′ Kelsey), Antony
SCORING SUMMARY:
28′ (Portland Timbers) Matias Rojas (1) assisted by Kristoffer Velde and Jimmy Fory
70′ (New York Red Bulls) Emil Forsberg (10) unassisted
73′ (Portland Timbers) Antony Alves Santos (7) assisted by Kelvin Kelsey and Juan Mosquera
DISCIPLINE:
36′ (Portland Timbers) Kristoffer Velde – YELLOW CARD
38′ (New York Red Bulls) Peter Stroud – YELLOW CARD
45′ (New York Red Bulls) Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – YELLOW CARD
61′ (Portland Timbers) Jimer Fory – YELLOW CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau