It was a great match for the Portland Timbers. They controlled almost the entire match and had the Vancouver Whitecaps on their heels a majority of the time. Even a lightning delay couldn't stop Portland as they played some of their best soccer of the season. So why did they only manage a 1-1 draw? A lack of creativity, iffy striker play and more late match struggles turned what should have been a Timbers win into a frustrating draw.
Portland Timbers Vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 2012 MLS: Timbers Forced To Settle For Draw
The Timbers pressed the Whitecaps from the start and were finding a lot of success through Darlington Nagbe, yet they couldn't turn it into goals. Worse, they couldn't even turn it into many chances.
Finally in the 67th minute, Portland got their goal, but it only came because of a mistake by Joe Cannon. The Whitecaps goalkeeper hilariously just slapped at a cross, leaving it right in front of goal for Kris Boyd to tap in. It was an ugly goal and 100% the result of a Whitecaps mistake, not good Timbers play, but Portland wasn't going to get picky.
It is a good thing they didn't get picky because they closed the match horribly, as has become their M.O. Eric Hassli won a header on a long ball and his header found Darren Mattocks. The rookie was able to chest the ball down and get free at the penalty spot while the Portland defense did little more than watch. Mattocks finished well and Vancouver had themselves a late point while Portland was left to wonder how they didn't take all three.
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