The game in 100 words (or less): The defending champion Portland Timbers are slowly but surely hitting their stride after a less-than-ideal start to the season saw Caleb Porter’s side start their 2015 MLS Cup title defense with just one win in their first six games. With Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Toronto FC, the Timbers are now three games unbeaten (two wins), and quickly ascending the Western Conference standings (started the day in 9th, finished the day in 7th). Just a heads up: Diego Valeri is still the best (24 goals, 38 assists in 94 MLS appearances). Also, backup goalkeeper Jake Gleeson turned in one of the best goalkeeping performances in recent memory, with no fewer than three jaw-dropping saves in the second half alone. As for TFC, their eight-game road trip to start the season is, mercifully, finished. They’ll head back to BMO Field for next Saturday’s home opener with 11 points in the bag and a claim on the no. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference.
[ MORE: Monday’s MLS Rewind column ]
Three moments that mattered
17' — Adi takes the feed from Valeri, makes it 1-0 — Diego Valeri to Fanendo Adi [insert any Timbers forward here] has been a thoroughly productive formula for the Timbers since his arrival in the Rose City four years ago. Big props to Darren Mattocks with the ball to put Valeri into all that space.
Easy as 1-2-3. @fanendo finishes off a great move from @TimbersFC. #PORvTOR https://t.co/kf3IOWa7kx
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 1, 2016
40' — Johnson keeps it low, makes it 1-1 — Sebastian Giovinco attracted the attention of four Timbers defenders, none of which were quick to pounce on the loose ball after the Italian went down under a crunching challenge. Will Johnson was quickest to the ball, and equalized against his former club.
Back with a bang. @WillJohnson04 marks his return to Portland with the equalizer. #PORvTOR https://t.co/QMxDq7Dmh1
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 1, 2016
74' — Valeri’s stunning free kick is a worthy winner — Enjoy!
Take a bow, @DiegoDv8! #PORvTOR https://t.co/JElOzdrPMK
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 1, 2016
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Man of the match: Diego Valeri
Goalscorers: Adi (17'), Johnson (40'), Valeri (71')