Rodney Wallace scored a 78th minute header to salvage a point for the Portland Timbers as they tied the Seattle Sounders 1-1 on Saturday. Fredy Montero had given the Sounders the lead with a 57th minute wonder-strike, immediately after Joe Bendik had replaced the injured Donovan Ricketts in goal.
Portland Timbers Vs. Seattle Sounders, 2012 MLS: Second-Half Goals Lead To Tie
Wallace's goal had to be particularly satisfying as he has been mostly relegated to the bench this season and had wasted several decent opportunities earlier in the match. On a corner kick, though, Wallace was able to get free a pound a ball that seemed to deflect off Leo Gonzalez and crossed the goal-line as Sounders goalkeeper Michael Gspurning tried to bat it away.
The goal was not enough to clinch the Cascadia Cup, the fan-sponsored rivalry trophy that is contested between the Timbers, Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Timbers can blame Montero for that. As he seems to do with alarming regularity in these rivalry games, Montero captured some magic. Before Bendik even had a chance to catch his breath, Gspurning sent a goal kick into the opposing box. Montero shielded off his defender, let the ball bounce and hit a perfectly placed, looping volley that beat Bendik far post.
See More:
