Valeri Leads the Portland Timbers in 3-1 Domination of Seattle

Diego Valeri returned to the Timbers starting lineup in Sunday’s game against the Sounders and helped lead his team to a 3-1 romping of the Seattle Sounders.

The Portland Timbers were happy to have Diego Valeri back from injury tonight as he recorded a brace against the Timbers’ Cascadia rivals.  Joining him on the scoreboard was Fanendo Adi, with a sneaky goal in the 64′ minute.  Seattle’s Chad Marshall knocked in header in the 59′ minute to give the Sounders their only goal.

The atmosphere in Providence Park was lively and loud as the Timbers Army chanted for their “Portland Boys”.  This is a rivalry that never disappoints fans or spectators, and this match was no exception.

However, Seattle’s woes continued.  After crushing a weak FC Dallas 5-0 on Wednesday, they hoped it was a turning point in their season.  Alas it was not.  Without Clint Dempsey due to a red card suspension, the Sounders’ offense struggled.  They still created good chances though, especially a 5th minute opportunity rookie forward Jordan Morris tragically put wide.

But the Portland counterattack proved too strong and too creative for the Sounders to handle.  This game only continues frustration for Seattle, who still sits at second to last in Western Conference standings with 20 points.  They are nine points off the playoff cut-off line and twenty points off the Western Conference leader, FC Dallas.

The Timbers, however, looked excellent.  They have all their powerhouses healthy and they looked like a well-oiled machine. Diego Chara returned from an accumulation of yellow cards suspension and did very well at breaking up the Sounder’s midfield and aiding the counterattack.  Lucas Melano tallied two assists on the night, looking sharp out on the left.

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It was a clinic for the Timbers.  They perfectly displayed how a balanced lineup looks, and how effective it is.  Melano on the outside left brings speed with the ball at his feet, Darlington Nagbe on the right keeps possession and finds passing lanes. This allows defender Alvas Powell to make overlapping runs and bring numbers to the Timbers’ attack.  Diego Chara holds down the midfield, winning balls and distributing to the likes of Nagbe and Valeri.  Diego Valeri is a weapon with the ball at his feet.  He sees passing lanes others overlook and works in perfect tandem with Fanendo Adi.  Fanendo Adi is the ideal target player. With his size and strength, he is not only dangerous with his back to goal, but he can make great runs or lay off the ball to running midfielders.  When they play together, good things happen.

Looking ahead, on Wednesday the Sounders will face the LA Galaxy in U.S. Open Cup play and Sporting KC on Sunday for MLS League play.  On Saturday, the Galaxy will turn around from Open Cup play to face the Timbers in Portland.