Quick Recap: Portland Timbers Demolish Toronto FC 4-0 with Late Burst

For most of the match, the Portland Timbers looked like they were in for a close game as they took on Toronto FC. In the 77', however, that changed.

The Timbers went ahead 1-0 in the first half thanks to a timely effort from Kalif Alhassan. In first half stoppage time a poor TFC clearance fell to the chest of Kalif who brought it down and, in an awkward motion, fired off a volley that curled away from Joe Bendik and into the back of the net. The goal would prove to be the game winner, but despite the chants of "Kalif, Kalif, put your hands up" at the half, the proceedings were far from over.

Despite holding a lead going into th second half, the Timbers still found themselves under regular pressure from Toronto. Thankfully, Diego Valeri, after a week of limited time in practice, was ready to take pitch and did so in the 77' for Alhassan. With the introduction of "The Maestro" the Timbers took control of the game and puled on the pressure. As TFC threw men forward, the Timbers took control of he ball and eviscerated their opponents with a series of quick counters.

Following the introduction of Valeri, and his pinpoint passing, the Timbers scored three times in quick sucession. First in the 83', Valeri fed in Rodney Wallace who slipped the ball between the legs of Joe Bendik and into the back of the net. Then in the 87', Jose Valencia sent a ball across the box which Will Johnson, in a triumphant return to the pitch after a month of absence, got ahold of and fired home. Finally in the 93', Valeri got on the end of another Trencito ball through the box, sliding to get a foot on the ball and knock it into the back of the net for a final score of 4-0.