The Portland Timbers started off strong but could not keep pace with a strong Minnesota United FC attack on Wednesday night, losing 4-2 to the side they will face on opening day.
The Timbers found their first chance of the match in the 13th minute after some high pressure up the pitch from Renzo Zambrano forced the visitors to cough up a corner kick. On the restart Eryk Williams sent a curling ball into the Loons’ box that dropped at the far post and found the head of the leaping Julio Cascante for a powerful header that forced Minnesota keeper Gregory Ranjitsingh to palm the ball away, spilling it in the box.