Bring on the Quarters!

The Timbers are headed to the last eight of the MLS is Back Tournament where they will face New York City FC. The matchup against FC Cincinnati was largely open and both teams created good chances. In the 60th minute Mathieu Deplagne thought he had given Cincinnati the lead from a set piece but VAR ruled it out for offside—but not before the whole team took part in a boat-rowing celebration. Tough one.

It’s a real shame that the season turned into what it is now for the simple fact that it looks like we might have signed a player who could have lit up MLS. Jaroslaw Niezgoda was found in front of goal by Sebastian Blanco for a tap-in in the 67th minute. The goal was made even better by the fact that he had subbed into the game just three minutes earlier. From there, things looked stable for the most part until Steve Clark made a costly error in the 79th. A long ball from Cincy’s backline was too much for Allan Cruz and it made its way to the feet of Clark who took a heavy and arguably unnecessary touch with his feet. Cruz was able to get to it before Clark who dove after the ball and made clear contact with the player and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Jurgen Locadia, making his return from injury, who slotted it low into the corner.

Extra time remained scoreless and we headed to penalties where Clark would atone for his earlier mistake. It was Locadia’s second penalty of the night that Clark would save before Kendall Waston put his over the crossbar giving the Timbers the win. All four penalty-takers for the Timbers scored (Valeri, Mora, Blanco, Niezgoda). Have a look at the highlights below and lookout for a scouting report on NYCFC. #RCTID