UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
- Antony Alves and Andrew Gutman with their first goals for Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids
- Timbers tot up fourth win in a row, closing in on playoffs
- Colorado made six changes from last game, to no avail
Portland Timbers Player Ratings: Moreno makes the difference
Contents
David Bingham 6/10 – a couple of saves, was unlucky with deflection
Juan Mosquera 7.5/10 – Went forward well and was important outlet
Zac McGraw 6/10 – solid not spectacular
Dario Župarić 6/10 – in a battle all night with Rubio
Claudio Bravo 6/10 – booked, better on the ball than off it
Noel Caliskan 6.5/10 – Supported Acosta well and assisted second goal
Bryan Acosta 7.5/10 – The constructor, great anticipation constantly picking up loose balls
Dairon Asprilla 7.5/10 – worked well on the wing and provided two assists
Santiago Moreno 8/10 – Worked his way into game, being the link up in final third that earned him a goal
Antony Alves 7.5/10 – switched sides with Asprilla after 15 mins and found his goal, could have had two
Felipe Mora 7.5/10 – lucky to escape red card, otherwise a strong performance capped with the winner
Substitutes
Sebastián Blanco N/A
Larrys Mabiala N/A
Eric Miller N/A
Miguel Araujo N/A
Franck Boli N/A
Colorado Rapids Player Ratings: Maxso keeps it respectable
Marko Ilić 6/10 – unable to do anything about goals
Lalas Abubakar 5.5/10 – too soft in pressure, poor positional sense
Daniel Wilson 6/10 – big block just before the break, difficult evening
Andreas Maxsø 7/10 – Made two key blocks either half, caught out for third goal
Andrew Gutman 6.5/10 – targeted by Timbers, unable to deal with pace and movement of opponents, redeemed himself going forward.
Ralph Priso 6.5/10 – did well moving Rapids forward in transition, injury cut his night short
Daniel Leyva 6.5/10 – chased shadows but stuck to task well
Calvin Harris 6/10 – forced a good save but largely anonymous in Mosquera’s presence
Cole Bassett 7/10 – had one good run early, grabbed an assist and didn’t lose a duel
Brian Galván 6/10 – when involved he was effective, but unable to influence game
Diego Rubio 7.5/10 – supreme in the air, a headed goal and sound at set pieces
Substitutes
Keegan Rosenberry 6/10 – certainly sturdier than Gutman but offered nothing on the ball
Connor Ronan 5.5/10 – less effective than Priso who he replaced
Jonathan Lewis N/A
Luis Díaz N/A
Kevin Cabral N/A
Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Match Summary and Highlights
Portland Timbers dominated possession, urged on by their loyal fanbase, and were constantly attacking Andrew Gutman’s flank. Dairon Asprilla tried first before switching wings and turning provider, placing a perfect cross to Antony Alves to head in on 19 minutes.
Portland pressed while Colorado sat back, it looked like it could be a blowout when Santiago Moreno doubled the lead. But a well worked counter from the Rapids led to Diego Rubio halving the deficit while the smoke from the Timbers Army’s flares was still in the air. That brought the game to life before the break, both sides showed more intensity with Felipe Mora almost shown a red card one end and Gutman scoring a deflected equalizer the other.
A great response for #Rapids96.
Diego Rubio heads one back to make it a one-goal game. pic.twitter.com/lrv83nuxUH
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 24, 2023
As the rain poured down inside Providence Park the first half spark was dampened as neither side was unable to find a breakthrough. That was until Felipe Mora latched onto an Asprilla header to round the goalkeeper and put the home side 3-2 up with twenty minutes to go. It was Mora’s fourth goal in seven games.
The hosts were certainly good money for their win, dominating possession and way ahead in expected goals. It wasn’t a great evening for either defence, as the forwards found their groove.
Man of the Match: Santiago Moreno
The 23-year-old Colombian didn’t seem to be too involved in the opening exchanges, but the midfielder was intelligently working out where to operate. Soon he was a constant option in the half spaces, combining with Bryan Acosta and Noel Caliskan behind him.
Moreno was well worth his goal, his only shot on target, but had an all around great display. The former América de Cali man made three key passes, creating big chances for his side. Along with Alves and Asprilla this exciting attacking trio ran the Rapids ragged.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
