Timbers One Game Away From Champions League Quarterfinals

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

David Cath, GoLocalPDX Contributor

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Plenty of logs being lifted after tonight's 6-0 victory. Photo Credit: rayterrill via Compfight cc

Norberto Paparatto netted two goals in a 6-0 Timbers victory against South American CONCACAF Champions League opponent Alpha United.

Head Coach Caleb Porter gave Portland GK Jake Gleeson the starting nod, who hardly saw any action thanks to a possessive Portland front line and midfield.

Despite having nine or even ten men behind the ball, Alpha United seemed content to embrace an often crowded Portland attack in hopes of taking advantage of the counter opportunity.

That being said, Portland played rather conservatively out of the gate.

Neither team attempted a shot on goal until Jack Jewsbury tried to flick a header towards the back post in the ninth minute.

11’: GOAL. The hosts could breathe easily after Jewsbury slotted home a left-footed shot across the six yard box, hitting just inside the far post.

12’: Caio Oliveria, looking to jumpstart Alpha United’s offense, ripped a knuckler from 25 yards out, keeping Portland goalkeeper Jake Gleeson on his toes.

20’: A cheeky chip from Maximiliano Urruti gave Gaston Fernandez a close-range shot on goal opportunity, only to be denied.

23’: Portland defense was lucky after a defensive matchup lapse, giving Alpha United’s Quincy Madramootoo a point blank shot on goal opportunity just outside the six yard box.

36’: GOAL. In the 36’, it was Portland who took advantage of the counter. A defense-splitting pass from Michael Nanchoff in midfield gave Urruti space to run along the right flank. A well-curled ball from Urruti on the right side skidded past an Alpha United defender, sliding perfectly into Gaston Fernandez’s wheelhouse as he merely passed the ball by Alpha United GK Ronson Williams.

Second Half:

Portland’s style of play became much more creative as Alpha United’s defense appeared tired, while their offense couldn’t match Portland’s speed and creativity.

49’: GOAL. Portland sealed the victory only four minutes into the second half. A quick give and go off a corner between Nanchoff and Ben Zemanski gave Nanchoff an opportunity to line up from range as he drilled a curling shot just inside the far post for the Timbers’ third goal of the game.

58’: Jake Gleeson denied Alpha United’s best opportunity of the game as Aldair Paredes used a quick change of pace move to get by Norberto Paparatto and set up a one-on-one opportunity against the Portland keeper.

60’: GOAL. Norberto Paparatto quickly made up for his defensive stab with a header off a corner kick, giving Portland a 4-0 lead.

75’: GOAL. After subbing into the game in the 71', Fanendo Adi contributed quickly with Portland’s fifth goal. From a Rodney Wallace pass, Adi posted up his defender within the six-yard box, took a control touch, and rotated his hips as he finished above the goalkeeper’s shoulders.

88’: GOAL. Portland ended on a strong note when Norberto Paparatto headed home a cross from Michael Nanchoff just before stoppage time.

After tonight’s win, Portland (3-0-0) will visit Honduras on October 21 to take on CD Olimpia (2-0-1) with a spot in the CCL quarterfinals on the line.

Portland’s next MLS regular season game is against Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday, September 27 at 10 am.

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