Article author:
Reuters
Jaroslaw Niezgoda scored two goals, Sebastian Blanco scored with a penalty kick and helped Portland Timbers beat Colorado Rapids on Saturday night 3-0.
For Timbers, who lost in the MLS Cup last season, this was their second win in the last 11 games (2-5-4).
Goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic made four saves (4-6-7, 19 points) while registering for Portland's fourth shutout of the season.
Rapids (5-7-4, 19 points) have no chance of winning on the road (0-6-2) this season.
Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbro departed in the second half of the first half, apparently confused after being asked for a hard foul in the box. Abraham Rodriguez made his MLS debut on his behalf, allowing all three goals.
A penalty kick was given to Timbers after Yarbrough defeated Santiago Moreno at the top of the box in the second minute of the first half of the downtime.
Yarbro was present on the field as authorities reviewed the play and confirmed that both the ball and Yarbro were in the box at the time of contact.
Rodriguez entered the contest for his MLS debut, but he first walked towards Blanco and had something to say before officials turned him online.
Blanco stood there six minutes after the foul was summoned and easily hit a shot of his right foot over Rodriguez for the third goal of the campaign.
Portland filled the lead in the second half as Needs Goda scored twice in eight minutes in the first half.
The first goal was set by a long downfield path from Bill Twiroma. Niez Goda slowed the ball on his chest and sent a shot of his right foot over Rodriguez.
In the 61st minute, Rodriguez saved Niezgoda's short-range left foot shot, but Timbers continued to hold the ball.
One minute later, Eryk Williamson cruised unmarked and Niezgoda delivered a cross that struck Rodriguez with his left foot, scoring a 3-0 fifth goal of the season.
Tuiloma almost scored in 73 minutes, but his right foot free kick fell from the bottom of the right goalpost.
Yarbrough saved twice before exiting. I also made two Rodriguez.
Both teams took 19 shots. Portland has set a goal of seven out of five in Colorado.
– Field Level Media