The Portland Timbers came into their road match with the Vancouver Whitecaps knowing they needed three points to keep their playoff hopes alive. With a goal in the 25th minute by forward Kenny Cooper, the Timbers escaped BC Palace with a win and moved into a 10th-place tie for the final playoff spot with the New York Red Bulls.
The Portland Timbers came into their road match with the Vancouver Whitecaps knowing they needed three points to keep their playoff hopes alive. With a goal in the 25th minute by forward Kenny Cooper, the Timbers escaped BC Palace with a win and moved into a 10th-place tie for the final playoff spot with the New York Red Bulls.
“I think that was one of our best performances on the road this season,” coach John Spencer said in a media statement. “I’ve just tried to keep the guys focused on what we have to do. If we can go and win two or three of our next couple games, we have a good chance to make the playoffs, if not, we won’t get there.”
Cooper scored the only goal of the game on a shot from outside the 18-yard box. The scoring opportunity was created by a breakaway from midfielder Diego Chara. Chara led the break down the field, before crossing it to Cooper, who then caught the ball with his chest and sent it past Whitecap keeper Joe Cannon into the back of the net. It was Cooper’s seventh score of the season and ties him with Jewsbury for the team lead. Cooper has now scored three goals in the last four games.
“[Chara] did a great job to find me,” Cooper said. “I’m not sure how he saw me. He is such a great two-way player.”
Everything went well for the Timbers this weekend, as DC United lost to the Columbus Crew 2-1 and the New York Red Bulls tied with Toronto 1-1, meaning the Timbers moved into a tie with the
Red Bulls for the 10th and final playoff spot. However, the Red Bulls hold the tiebreaker by goal differential over the Timbers.
With two of their final three matches on the road, the Timbers desperately needs to gain away points, something they’ve struggle with all season (2-9-4 road record). The Timbers continue the playoff race on Oct. 14 at Houston in their last home game of the season at Jeld-Wen Field. Houston is currently three points ahead of the Timbers. Portland finishes the season on the road, playing at DC United on Oct. 19 and Real Salt Lake on Oct. 22.
