Timbers give Boca J’s the axe

The Portland Timbers pulled off an unprecedented 3-2 upset over Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in an international exhibition played at PGE Park on Saturday. Rodrigo Lopez led Portland back from a 2-1 deficit in the second half with an assist and a free kick goal in the dying seconds.

One of the most successful clubs in the world, the Boca Juniors have amassed an impressive 18 international titles—a feat only surpassed by AC Milan—and soccer legend Diego Maradona began his professional career at the club. The Timbers, on the other hand, had not scored a league goal since May 15 going into Saturday’s match.

On its U.S. tour this season, 23-time Argentina first division champion Boca has lost to the LA Galaxy and suffered an embarrassing defeat against the Seattle Sounders. The game against the Timbers was its last match of the tour.

As expected, Boca dominated the match in the opening minutes with superior passing and world-class players, but in the 16th minute Timbers midfielder Alex Nimo crossed the ball to Ryan Pore, who was left unmarked in the penalty area. Pore took his time and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net, giving the Timbers a 1-0 lead.

The Argentinians came back strong early in the second half and took the lead with two goals in two minutes from Matias Gimenez and Nicolas Blandi. In the 50th minute, Giminez slotted a low drive past the diving effort from Timbers keeper Steve Cronin. In the 52nd minute, Blandi’s shot from a distance ricocheted off the frame of the goal and into the net.

Timbers pulled level 2-2 in the 74th minute when Stephen Keel scored off an assist of substitute Rodrigo Lopez. However, deep into injury time, a foul just outside the box led to the game-winning play.

Lopez stepped up to take the free kick and drilled the shot from the left side and into the top right corner of the goal and beyond the goalkeeper’s reach, sending the crowd of 14,000-plus at PGE Park into raptures.

In an interview with The Oregonian after the game, Timbers defender Quavas Kirk said, “It’s been a rough month for us. To get that win was very important. Just being able to get that confidence under you, knowing that you can score goals and defend them.”

Lopez said of making the game-winning goal, “I came in with the mindset of making a difference in the game. I understand there are going to be games where I’m not gonna play. I just have to wait for my chance and luckily I came through this time. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

The Timbers return to league play Sunday at PGE Park when they play host to the Carolina RailHawks. The club will face English Premier League’s Manchester City on July 17.