In a nail-biting match held this Saturday, the Portland Timbers faced Minnesota United, concluding with a score of 1-1.
The second half started positively for Minnesota United when Anthony Markanich found the back of the net in the 31st minute. However, just before the second half ended, Omir Fernández equalized for Portland Timbers in the 46th minute.
Markanich electrified the stadium with his header following a corner taken by Julian Gressel, placing the ball in the left corner of the net.
In a dramatic moment during stoppage time, Juan Mosquera came close to giving Timbers the lead, but his shot hit the post, keeping the score level.
Omir Fernández was undoubtedly the star of the match, scoring the equalizer. On the defensive side, Anthony Markanich made his mark with a goal and managed to clear two balls out of danger.
Portland’s coach, Phil Neville, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Maxime Crépeau in goal; Juan Mosquera, Dario Zuparic, Finn Surman, and Jimer Fory in defense; and David Ayala, Ariel Lassiter, and Cristhian Paredes in midfield, supporting forwards Santiago Moreno, Felipe Mora, and Ian Smith.
Meanwhile, coach Eric Ramsay’s Minnesota United set up in a 5-4-1 formation, with Dayne St. Clair guarding the net; Julian Gressel, Morris Duggan, Jefferson Díaz, Nicolás Romero, and Joseph Rosales in the backline; Joaquín Pereyra, Carlos Harvey, Robin Lod, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane in midfield; and Tani Oluwaseyi leading the attack.
Referee Ricardo Fierro officiated the match.
Looking ahead, Portland Timbers will face Vancouver Whitecaps FC in their next match, while Minnesota United travels to St. Louis City for a game at Energizer Park.
Substitutions for Portland Timbers
55’ 2T – Ariel Lassiter out for Gage Guerra
73’ 2T – David Ayala out for Diego Chará; Felipe Mora out for Kevin Kelsy; Joseph Rosales out for Owen Gene
85’ 2T – Cristhian Paredes out for Omir Fernández
Yellow Cards for Portland Timbers:
42’ 1T – Ariel Lassiter (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Minnesota United
45’ 2T – Nicolás Romero out for Michael Boxall; Carlos Harvey out for Wil Trapp
60’ 2T – Bongokuhle Hlongwane out for Anthony Markanich
70’ 2T – Joaquín Pereyra out for Kelvin Yeaboah
Yellow Cards for Minnesota United:
39’ 1T – Nicolás Romero (Unsporting behavior); 44’ 1T – Carlos Harvey (Holding an opponent to prevent progress); 19’ 2T – Joaquín Pereyra (Unsporting behavior)