The game in 100 words (or less): Two and a half months into the 2017 MLS season, neither the Portland Timbers nor Atlanta United are where they hoped to be — where they thought they’d be after red-hot starts to the season. Portland, who came back from a goal down in the second half to draw the expansion side at Providence Park on Sunday, raced out to a perfect start in their first three games, by a combined score of 10-3; since then, Caleb Porter’s side has won just two of eight. Atlanta, on the other hand, won two of their first three and scored a boatload of goals in the process; since then, they’ve won just one of seven, though six of the seven have been played on the road (their home schedule is backloaded with Mercedes-Benz Stadium still under construction). Six points from seven road games isn’t a terrible return, especially for an expansion team, but they’re sorely missing Josef Martinez (quad injury), though he’s expected back very soon.
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Three moments that mattered
46' — Gressel beats Gleeson to start the 2nd half — 24 seconds on the clock, Atlanta quickly moved the ball up the field, and Julian Gressel applied the difficult finish from the top of the 18-yard box.
No better way to start the second half! #ATLUTD 1 - 0 @TimbersFC pic.twitter.com/klXgHOC0h1
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) May 14, 2017
50' — Ridgewell heads home at the back post — Set-piece defending is supposed to be Portland’s biggest weakness, but here’s Liam Ridgewell taking advantage of acres of space as the ball bounces across the face of goal.
He doesn't score often, but when he does, he Ridgy Rolls. #RCTID #PORvATL pic.twitter.com/YYxP0PjzHa
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) May 14, 2017
74' — Kann’s diving save denies Adi late — Alec Kann needed every last bit of his 6-foot-4 frame to get his fingers on Fanendo Adi’s low, curling shot to the far post.
74' @fanendo picking out that far post. Close.
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) May 14, 2017
Matchcenter: https://t.co/jGWpMTJ5QA #RCTID #PORvATL pic.twitter.com/5GmKu7RguH
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Man of the match: David Guzman
Goalscorers: Gressel (46'), Ridgewell (50')
