In a gripping clash at Providence Park, Real Salt Lake triumphed over the Portland Timbers, clinching a 1-0 win. The match, part of the ongoing MLS season in Week 21, saw Diogo Gonçalves score the only goal in the 82nd minute, ensuring all three points for his team.
Gonçalves stood out as the match’s star player, not only netting the decisive goal but also making four attempts at the Timbers’ goal. Meanwhile, Justen Glad played a pivotal role in defense, successfully clearing five dangerous balls away from Real Salt Lake’s area.
Portland’s head coach, Phil Neville, set up his team in a 3-6-1 formation, featuring Maxime Crépeau in goal and a defense comprising Finn Surman, Dario Zuparic, and Jimer Fory. The midfield was packed with Juan Mosquera, Omir Fernández, Diego Chará, David Ayala, Santiago Moreno, and Kevin Kelsy, while Felipe Mora led the attack.
On the other side, Pablo Mastroeni’s squad employed a 4-5-1 formation, with Rafael Cabral guarding the net. The defense included Bode Hidalgo, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, and Samuel Junqua, while Noel Caliskan, Pablo Enrique Ruíz, Diogo Gonçalves, Zavier Gozo, and Diego Luna controlled the midfield, leaving William Agada as the lone forward.
This match featured referee Alexis Da Silva officiating in front of an energized crowd. Looking forward, the Timbers will face the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in their upcoming fixture, while Real Salt Lake will play at home against Los Angeles FC.
Substitutions for Portland Timbers
54’ 2T – Omir Fernández was substituted for Ariel Lassiter
70’ 2T – Felipe Mora left the field for Gage Guerra and Juan Mosquera was replaced by Eric Miller
85’ 2T – David Ayala made way for Cristhian Paredes
Yellow Cards for Portland Timbers:
23’ 2T Felipe Mora (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Real Salt Lake
71’ 2T – Samuel Junqua was substituted for Alexandros Katranis
72’ 2T – William Agada was replaced by Ariath Piol and Pablo Enrique Ruíz left for Emeka Eneli
79’ 2T – Justen Glad was substituted for Philip Quinton
89’ 2T – Diego Luna was replaced by Dominik Marczuk
91’ 2T – Diogo Gonçalves was substituted for Jesús Barea
Yellow Cards for Real Salt Lake:
44’ 1T Brayan Vera (Unsporting behavior), 6’ 2T Pablo Enrique Ruíz (Holding an opponent to prevent them from advancing), 21’ 2T Bode Hidalgo (Holding an opponent to prevent them from advancing) and 52’ 2T Rafael Cabral (Delaying the game)