It seems like a distant memory as we approach the middle of April. That memory being the Portland Timbers sitting nice & pretty atop the Western Conference standings through three contests nearly a month ago.
Since the Timbers have dropped points in three consecutive matches, beginning a three game losing streak. Like any given match day they had the chance to end that streak in Kansas City on Sunday afternoon. As the lone game of the day, the Timbers took the field against longtime Western Conference foe Sporting Kansas City. Whom they have a great track record against, no matter the venue.
The Timbers split last season's series against Sporting Kansas City. With the Timbers opening the 2023 season at home & were able to secure a 1-0 victory thanks to a Juan Mosquera goal. Their next match in May at Children's Mercy Park was a polar opposite performance that saw the Timbers head home pointless after a 4-1 thumping. Match one of this season's series would be a roller coaster of momentum, here's what we thought.
Set Pieces Are An Issue
Yes the dynamics of each half were entirely different with different players in the mix. Though, two of Sporting Kansas City's three first half goals were scored off of set pieces. An issue that isn't exactly new to Portland & something fans hoped would tighten up in the Phil Neville era. Especially after the acquisition of Canadian International Kamal Miller in the offseason.
But it didn't matter when the Timbers were caught sleeping on a corner kick. That saw Sporting players rush the line with momentum. Causing Crepeau to run off of his line in an attempt to punch the ball out of play before met by Dany Rosero's head. It was too late. As the Colombian Centre-back placed the ball perfectly in the net to put the home club up 2-0.
The second goal in a ten minute time span was Willy Agada's second after opening things up in the 13th minute with a banger straight into the net. The goal that gave Agada his brace for the afternoon was off of a set piece cross where he found himself several feet away from any Portland defender.