The Portland Timbers never gave up in last night's 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, coming from behind to take all three points. Without Diego Valeri to be the de facto Man of the Match we now have to look elsewhere for this week's top performer. Here are the picks that we came up with.
Ryan: Alvas Powell
As I sat with others from the STF community I commented that Alvas Powell was our best offensive weapon and this is backed up by his two shots and one assist in the game. He also played a very good defensive game today. He had 3 tackles, 6 clearances, and 7 recoveries to help Portland keep San Jose at bay.
Kevin: Alvas Powell
This one is a bit hard. Adi was my MotM in the first half because his hold up play was great and he was winning everything between San Jose's two center backs. Wallace got a brace. But in the end I think I will pick out Alvas Powell. He was sending in dangerous crosses and hustling back to make defensive plays. Both fullbacks did well but with an assist on Rodney's first goal Powell gets my vote over Villafana.
Chris: Fanendo Adi
I know, I know. He had the miss of the season. But I'm over it and you should be, too, because before then he gave a solid centerback tandem in Jason Hernandez and Victor Bernardez everything they could handle and more. His holdup play and occupation of Quakes defenders allowed the Timbers midfield to establish itself in a necessarily patient first half. While Wallace is the easy pick and the Timbers also got great performances from their defensive central midfield, Adi's effect on the game shouldn't be overlooked.
Will: Rodney Wallace
Did other players put in better overall performances than Wallace? Sure, but without Wallace's fantastically set-up first goal or his right-place-at-the-right-time second the Timbers do not win this game. This was not a match where the Timbers were peppering the San Jose goal with shots and anyone could have stepped up to win it. Instead it was a match in need of someone to step up and make something happen, which is exactly what Wallace did.
There are our picks, but what yours? Let us know in the poll and comments below.