Timbers Continue Woeful Road Form with 3-1 Loss in Dallas

They are still winless on the road. And not just winless but they like to get steamrolled. Our own Chris Rifer pointed out on twitter that the Timbers have been outscored 9-2 in their most recent road games (tonight included). But Valeri got a sweet looking consolation goal, so yay?

The Timbers put themselves into a two goal hole in the first half. In the 13th minute, Michael Barrios got in behind the Timbers defense and earned a penalty kick. Jake Gleeson went down to make himself big but Barrios kept a leg out that got clipped by Gleeson's trailing leg and referee Ted Unkel called for the penalty without hesitation. Mauro Diaz took a good kick, putting a low, hard shot down to the left. Gleeson guessed correctly but it wasn't enough.

Despite being down 1-0 the Timbers were still able to generate a few good chances. The best chance of the half came when Seitz was well off his line, out at the edge of his box. Melano got around him but had a bit too much on the ball. This took him too close to the end line, so instead of trying to take a shot from a tough, but still possible, angle, he sends the ball across the goal mouth towards Valeri who was trying to provide a supporting run. There was too much on the ball and this sent Valeri too far away from goal. By this time Seitz and the defense had recovered enough and the Timbers couldn't convert the golden opportunity.

Dallas doubled their lead at the stroke of halftime as they pulled apart the Timbers defense. Victor Ulloa started the opportunity and with Urruti, Diaz, and Barrios pried open the Timbers defense like a can of tuna. They were able to stop the first shot but the rebound bounced out to Ulloa whose trailing run was completely unmarked and he put away the gifted opportunity with ease.

In the second half it was Dallas who continued to look the more dangerous team as Portland continued to struggle. Walker Zimmerman made it 3-0 in the 53rd minute when he rose above those around him and put a strong header on target and into the net. And after that goal it looked like Dallas could still get a 4th goal. But they would not. Diego Valeri came in and got a consolation goal for the visitors late in 87th minute. Zarek Valentin was able to get a cross into the box which deflected generously to Valeri near the spot. And Valeri put the half volley past Chris Seitz for the lone Timbers goal. With the goal against them, Dallas played the last few minutes very conservatively to run down the clock and secure all 3 points.

With this result and those around plus bye weeks, the Timbers are still above the red line. But with an inability to win on the road, how long will that last? Up next, the Timbers travel to Costa Rica for a Wednesday CONCACAF Champions League match vs Saprissa at 7:00pm pacific. Then they return home to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday with a 7:30pm pacific kickoff.