The Portland Timbers' Playoff Hopes Take a Hit

Quick Recap:

The Portland Timbers comes out flat again on the road and goes down a goal early. Salt gets rubbed in the wound when a penalty is called a red card awarded in the second half. Portland goes down 2-0.

First Half:

For the first 10 minutes of the game Portland looked like the team that came out against New England. They passed the ball around the pitch with ease, interchanging and looked dangerous going forward. Then all of a sudden it was like a switch was turned off.

For the rest of the game Portland couldn't complete a pass and looked completely out of sync. The sudden change opened the door for the New York Red Bulls to get the first goal. Diego Chara and Lovel Palmer had a huge defensive miscue which allowed Dane Richards to waltz right into the box. I am not sure how the shot got in but it was a bullet to the far post. 

Even after the goal Portland played flat and lethargic and New York was the aggressor. Not to mention the more physical team. For the rest of the half it was all New York and Portland was lucky to be only down 1.

Second Half:

The frustration just continued as Portland showed little in the attack. Despite the lack of offense they still had their chance to tie the game on a great shot from Kalif Alhassan. Despite the fact that every time he cuts back into the middle of the pitch and tries a shot it usually goes over he continues to shoot. This time it almost paid off but the crossbar made the save and then again saved the amazing scissor kick from Kenny Cooper. A scramble ensued but Chara was unable to dig it out and get a shot on goal.

It turned out that was the last opportunity for Portland as Alhassan was awarded a red card for an apparent handball while he was manning the post on a corner. There is so much more I want to write about this but every time I think about it I just get pissed off and want to punch something. Suffice it to say the ref does not even deserve to ref my Brother's high school games.

For the last 20 minutes of the game Portland tried to push forward but just couldn't over come the lack of a player and the lack of passing the showed tonight.

Observations:

• The Timbers no longer hold their own fate in their hands, all up to other teams to help them out
• As of the time I am writing this looks like the team who shall not be named will win the Cascadia cup
• Might be time to think of next year....