Timbers news release
The Portland Timbers recorded their first win of the 2019 MLS campaign, defeating Columbus Crew SC 3-1 before 11,707 fans at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday night. Three different players scored in the win for Portland, with defenders Larrys Mabiala and Jorge Moreira each scoring their first goals of the season, while forward Jeremy Ebobisse also found the back of the net for the third time this season.
Against Columbus
With the win, Portland handed Columbus its first home loss in 11 games, dating back to June 13, 2018. The Timbers improved to 5-3-2 all-time in the regular season against Columbus. The Timbers have won five of their last six meetings with Crew SC, with wins in three of their last four road matches, including the playoffs, at MAPFRE Stadium. Additionally, Portland has scored two or more goals in seven consecutive matches against Crew SC across all competitions, as well as in its last four road matches.
First goals
Mabiala opened the scoring for the Timbers and Moreira notched a late goal for Portland in second-half stoppage time. The goals were the first of the season for Mabiala and Moreira, who are the fifth and six different players to score a goal for Portland during the 2019 campaign. Moreira’s goal was his first in MLS and with the Timbers.
Setting the table
Diego Valeri recorded his team-leading fourth assist of the season on Mabiala’s first-half goal. He now has 69 assists in his MLS career, which moves him into 18th place for most assists in MLS history. Sebastián Blanco recorded two assists in the match, marking the third time he has tallied multiple assists in a single MLS match. Blanco now has three assists in the last two matches and 21 in his career. Additionally, Cristhian Paredes delivered his first assist of the season and the fourth of his Timbers career.
Mabiala with his head
Mabiala’s five headed goals since the start of 2018 are the most among MLS defenders in that span. His six goals since the beginning of last season are the second-most among MLS defenders in that span.
Notes:
- For the first time in their last 37 home matches in all competitions, Columbus lost while conceding three or more goals.
- Portland has scored two or more goals in four consecutive matches at MAPFRE Stadium.
- Mabiala’s goal ended a 385-minute shutout streak at home for Columbus. In their four previous home games this season, Crew SC had conceded just once.
- Mabiala’s five headed goals since the start of 2018 are the most among MLS defenders in that span. His six goals since the beginning of last season are the second-most among MLS defenders in that time span.
- Ebobisse scored his team-leading third goal of the season, which sets a new career high for him. He has scored with all three of his shots on target this season.
- Moreira scored the first goal of his MLS career. He is the 54th different goal scorer for the Timbers in MLS play.
- Valeri recorded his team-leading fourth assist of the season on Mabiala’s first-half goal. He now has 69 assists in his MLS career, which moves him into 18th place for most assists in MLS history.
- Blanco recorded two assists in the match, the third time in his career with multiple assists in a single match. Blanco now has three assists in the last two matches and 21 in his career.
- Paredes delivered his first assist of the season and the fourth of his Timbers career.
Next game
Next up, the Timbers will travel to BMO Field to face Toronto on Saturday, April 27. Beginning at 12 noon (Pacific), the match will feature a local television broadcast on ROOT SPORTS with local radio broadcasts on 1029 and 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).
Postgame quote sheet
Quotes with reaction to the match from coaches and players from both clubs can be accessed when ready by clicking here.
Video Highlights
Highlights of the match can be viewed by clicking here.
Portland Timbers (1-5-1, 4pts) vs. Columbus Crew SC (4-3-1, 13pts)
April 20, 2019 – MAPFRE Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Goals by Half 1 2 F
Portland Timbers 2 1 3
Columbus Crew SC 0 1 1
Scoring Summary:
POR: Mabiala (Valeri), 31
POR: Ebobisse (Blanco), 35
CLB: Santos, 69
POR: Moreira (Paredes, Blanco), 90+1
Misconduct Summary:
POR: Valentin (caution), 25
POR: Conechny (caution), 78
POR: Blanco (caution), 89
Lineups:
POR: GK Attinella, D Moreira, D Mabiala, D Tuiloma, D Valentin, M Flores (Cascante, 85), M Paredes, M Chara, M Blanco, F Valeri © (Conechny, 76), F Ebobisse (Melano, 85)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Clark, D Dielna, D Villafaña, M Guzmán
TOTAL SHOTS: 15 (Three players tied, 3); SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 (Mabiala, 2); FOULS: 11 (Three players tied, 2); OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 4
CLB: GK Steffen, D Jiménez (J.J. Williams, 89), D Mensah, D Sauro, D Francis, M Trapp, M Artur (Sosa, 83), M Robinho (Meram, 60), M Higuaín, M Santos, F Zardes
Substitutes Not Used: GK Bendik, D J. Williams, F Mullins, M Clark
TOTAL SHOTS: 16 (Three players tied, 2); SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 (Five players tied, 1); FOULS: 9 (Meram, Santos, 2); OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 2
Referee: Christopher Penso
Assistant Referees: Kathryn Nesbitt, Kyle Longville
4th Official: Lorant Varga
VAR: Chico Grajeda
Attendance: 11,707
Weather: Cloudy, 49 degrees
