PORTLAND, Ore. — For most of Wednesday’s 90 minutes between the Portland Timbers and Club América, the match looked destined to be defined by the game’s interminable whistles and yellow cards, as well as the late first-half foul that allowed América to convert from the penalty spot. But come the game’s final moments, the pressure of Portland’s second-half surge paid off, with the last touch of the night seeing Timbers forward Felipe Mora equalize from the spot.
The teams are going to Estadio Azteca tied, 1-1, after of next Wednesday’s final leg, and while much of Wednesday’s action was defined by the center referee’s nine yellow card and 42 foul calls, our memories will be anchored to Mora jumping over the north-end signboards to celebrate in front of Portland’s support.