It is uncertain if ex-Timbers forward Rodney Wallace would have been cheered if he finished a first-half header inside the 6-yard box against his former teammates, but the New York City FC winger did receive a warm, enthusiastic ovation when replaced in the 70th minute of Portland’s 3-0 win.
“It was nice – it was a place that I always hold close to by heart,” Wallace said after the match. “Being back here was very special and getting so much love from the supporters was great just because I feel the same way towards them.”
In five seasons with the Timbers, Wallace converted 16 goals, including the decisive score to win the 2015 MLS Cup championship.
Conceding first on the road will catch up to you
NYCFC surrendered the opening goal in its fourth consecutive road match. City managed to rally from a goal down and earn a 2-1 win in San Jose and also came from behind to get results at New England (2-2 draw) and Atlanta (2-2 draw).
When Larrys Mabiala thumped a header past Sean Johnson early in the second half, Portland extended its lead to three goals and halted NYCFC’s seven match unbeaten run.
Time of possession does not always tell the tale
New York City held a whopping 79 percent of possession in the first half, according to Opta – and trailed 2-0 at the interval.
Timbers first-year coach Giovanni Savarese astutely changed the shape and tactics for Portland’s second straight win, allowing NYCFC to have the ball while pressing at specific moments. A Wallace turnover in the center of the park led to a four-on-three counter attack and Fanendo Adi’s third goal of the season.
“We felt that we needed to change something for this match especially because of the way they play,” Savarese said. “And the guys were able to execute in a very good way.”
Said Wallace: “It was hard to break them down. They had a block on a tight defense and eventually it cost us.”