The Portland Timbers went on the road and won big tonight against a Real Salt Lake side that had only given up three points at home once all year. With a solid defensive performance around him, Sebastian Blanco was in control of the match, bagging two goals and an assist as the Timbers won 4-1.
For the second match in a row, the Timbers came out in a decidedly defensive mindset, looking to smother RSL’s exciting young attackers and occasionally put together a chance on the break.
While the home side were able to break down the flanks with some regularity in the first half, the Timbers’ game plan paid dividends in the 33rd minute when the visitors were able to get the ball down the pitch and keep play pinned in the RSL end.