After a strong start that lasted mere moments, the Portland Timbers could not hang with Atlanta United, losing 2-0 in a match that could have seen them take a home playoff berth but instead leaves them just barely above the red line.
The Timbers came within inches of opening the scoring in the 2nd minute when a long diagonal ball form Jeremy Ebobisse found Sebastian Blanco in stride, breaking down the right flank. Blanco brought the ball down smoothly and played a rolling ball toward Brad Guzan’s back post, looking to connect with the sliding form of Diego Valeri, but the ball rolled just out of reach for the Maestro and instead ran out for a goal kick.