The Portland Timbers started off the 2016 Simple Invitational with a bang today, beating NASL side Minnesota United 4-0 in a rough match that saw the visitors finish with only nine men.
The Timbers got off to a quick start in the first half, earning a penalty in just the 10th minute as Diego Valeri was taken down in the Loons' box by an errant boot from Aaron Pitchkolan. It was Fanendo Adi who steeped up to the spot, however, and just like in the Timbers' playoff win over Sporting Kansas City, the big man coolly slotted his penalty home, sending Sammy Ndjock the wrong way and making the score 1-0 to the Timbers.