Portland Timbers Man of the Match: Big Shots and Big Saves

When Darlington Nagbe put the Portland Timbers up 1-0 over the Vancouver Whitecaps it seemed like destiny that the Timbers would win on the back of another late season long range bomb at BC Place. Nagbe practically had the Man of the Match award in hand. Then came the second half.

So what mattered more to the Timbers' on the night? The offense that got them two goals or the defense that held Vancouver to that many?

Michael - Donovan Ricketts

Yes, he allowed two goals, but both were basically unstoppable. The saves he did make late in the game kept the Timbers from a disastrous loss and showed that even at 36, he is still one of the best goalkeepers in MLS.

Stacey - Donovan Ricketts

Near the end of the match, the Timbers looked prepared to throw away all three points and only some amazing stops from Ricketts, most notably the crazy double save, salvaged a result for Portland.

Ryan - Darlington Nagbe

Nagbe was instrumental in the two goals Portland was able to score by scoring the first one and then creating the second. His cutback to create the second immediately took two Vancouver defenders out of the play and gave him the time to find Will Johnson. His attacking acumen was on display until Camilo's tackle forced Porter to remove him from the game.

Will - Donovan Ricketts

Nagbe may have put the Timbers ahead, and he may have played a huge role in them gaining the lead a second time, but it was Ricketts who secured the point for the Timbers. His double save was nothing short of herculean and his late game stops on Kekutah Manneh and Young-Pyo Lee could have been save of the week material any other time.

There are our picks, but what are yours? Vote in the poll below and let us know why in the comments.