The Portland Timbers faced a tough task Wednesday night, traveling to face FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium for a knockout round match in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The challenge became more difficult when defender Larrys Mabiala earned a red card in the 58th minute, leaving the Timbers with 10 men and just a 1-0 lead.
But Valeri came through with a second goal — he scored his first in the 24th minute — in the 71st minute. That goal proved crucial since FC Dallas scored during stoppage time. Watch a replay of the game-winner above and see the early goal below, along with social media reactions to Valeri’s performance. You can also take a look at the full recap and highlights or match stats.
What an absolute beauty of a strike from El Maestro.🔥#OnwardRoseCity #RCTID @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/r9KXDF0I2a
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/JogaBonito_USA/status/1057821371592523776
What a class goal by Diego Valeri. Free kick special right there. 1-0 Portland #FCDvPOR
— Arman Kafai (@ArmanKafai) November 1, 2018
Last 5 players to score direct from free kick in MLS Playoffs
Diego Valeri tonight
Sebastian Giovinco 2017
Clint Dempsey 2015
Chris Tierney 2014
Will Johnson 2013#RCTID— Mike Donovan (@TheMikeDonovan) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/1057818270110179328
https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1057818031009742848
Diego Valeri is good at soccer pic.twitter.com/UJpDoaiK1R
— COPA90 US (@Copa90US) November 1, 2018
Crazy to watch the difference between Valeri taking that chance and just about every time a Dallas attacker has gotten near goal.
— Bobby Warshaw (@bwarshaw14) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/PTFCLinePolice/status/1057818361751453698
Me: “This is gonna be a tough 30 minutes down a man.”
Valeri: pic.twitter.com/2J1aPX9qaR— Wyatt C. Fay (@wyattfay) November 1, 2018
Valeri!!!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 #MLS
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) November 1, 2018