Lightning strikes, but not for Portland

During a game in which lightning stopped play for almost an hour, the Portland Timbers failed to find a spark on the offensive end against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. But Portland’s defense was able to salvage the day, denying Philadelphia the go-ahead score as the Timbers left PPL Park with a road point.

Portland has allowed just two goals in their last six MLS games. Timbers goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts had four saves against the Union, holding up under pressure against one of the Eastern Conference’s strongest squads.

“It’s still early in the process of putting the team together, but we could be a lot better,” Portland midfielder Will Johnson said after the game. “Being hard to beat and not being outworked—those are two very good blocks to build the team on, so I’m proud that we’ve got those things down. We just need to work on the attacking phase and quality of the attacking third.”

Both teams ratcheted up their offensive intensity in the second half. One of the Timbers’ best chances to score came in the 55th minute, when Diego Valeri was denied at close range with a spectacular save from Union keeper Zac MacMath. Philadelphia had multiple chances as well, including a screamer by Conor Casey in the 71st minute, but Ricketts was there each time to shut down the advance.

“Obviously, Portland’s been playing really well this year, and they’re a tough team to beat,” MacMath said. “They proved that tonight. Unfortunately, the bounces didn’t go our way and we couldn’t get one there at the end.”

Philadelphia head coach Rob Vartughian acknowledged the clutch performance by Ricketts that saved Portland from the loss. “The save [Ricketts] made on Conor is world-class,” Vartughian said. “We felt, to get to that point in the game, when we were on their end and we were pressing, it was a disappointment to not find a way to get a goal. You have to tip your hat to the guy, he makes an unbelievable save.”

Timbers coach Caleb Porter, meanwhile, was understandably frustrated with his team’s inability to find the net, but commended Portland’s gritty effort.

“There were some periods of play tonight that were as good as we’ve played all year,” Porter said. “It says a lot about our guys that we leave a game with a point on the road.”

The Timbers now move on to an international friendly against Norwich City tonight, scheduled for 8 p.m. at Jeld-Wen Field. They’ll hit the road again after that, traveling to California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.