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It was a tumultuous year for fans of the Portland Timbers. The lows were low and the highs were, well, not very high. Still, there are a few moments from the 2014 season that we can look back on and smile.
Here are a few of those moments:
Diego Valeri Breaks the Franchise Single Season Scoring Record
Diego Valeri came into the second leg of the Timbers' back to back October matches against the San Jose Earthquakes with nine goals to his name and the team in desperate need of points if they were to make a push for the playoffs. The Timbers may not have made it to the playoffs, but it was not from a lack of trying from Valeri, whose brace put paid to the 'Quakes season.
Finally Beating Real Salt Lake
It had been a while since the Timbers beat Real Salt Lake. A really long time. So when the Timbers went to Sandy Utah and returned with all three points, it was a victory that stood out, particularly after Real Salt Lake knocked the Timbers out of the US Open Cup and MLS Cup Playoffs in 2013.
The Timbers Get Their First Win of the Season Against D.C. United
The first eight games of the season were not good. The ninth looked an awful lot like it was going be another game without taking all three points as the Timbers were still tied 2-2 heading into stoppage time. Then, in the 94', Maximiliano Urruti stepped up, slamming the ball home for the last minute win.
Diego Valeri Walks Out Alone at the All-Star Game
Despite some folks reservations about the event, the All-Star Game was pretty fun, but no moment from the week's festivities stood out like Valeri's All-Star introduction, when he left the tunnel only to find himself on the field alone, receiving a standing ovation from the hometown crowd. That Valeri got an assist on Landon Donovan's goal in the game itself was only fitting.
The Ridgieroll
Liam Ridgewell made his biggest impact on the defensive side of things after his arrival midway through the 2014 season, but he may well be remembered for a moment of brilliance on the attacking end of things. The goal was good, but the celebration was better.
Honorable Mention: The Sounders Fail to Win the Treble
What other moments from the season stand out? Share your favorite moments from 2014 in the comments.