News / Clark County News

Timbers top Chivas USA, 3-0

The Columbian

Published: May 11, 2013, 5:00pm

Will Johnson was traded Friday to Toronto FC after three seasons with the Timbers.

PORTLAND — Rodney Wallace, Diego Valeri and Will Johnson each had goals as the Portland Timbers extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches with a 3-0 victory over Chivas USA on Sunday.

The undefeated streak is an ongoing franchise-best for the Timbers, who joined Major League Soccer in 2011. Portland (4-1-6) suffered its lone loss back on March 9 when the team fell 2-1 at home to Montreal.

The victory pulls Portland even for the MLS lead with Dallas FC, which also has not lost in nine matches.

Chivas (3-5-2) is in last place in the Western Conference. They have not won since a 2-1 victory over Vancouver on March 30.

The Goats were without starting goalkeeper and captain Dan Kennedy because of a red card in last week’s loss to Sporting KC. Patrick McLain, in his MLS debut, allowed two goals after Kennedy was sent off in the 4-0 Chivas loss.

McLain made his first league start against the Timbers while backup goalkeeper Tim Melia continues to recover from a lower back injury.

McLain leapt with his arms outstretched but couldn’t stop Wallace’s left-footed rocket from just outside the left corner of the box in the 34th minute. Wallace’s third goal of the season came off a pass from Ryan Johnson on a fast break.

The Timbers made it 2-0 when a wide-open Valeri beat McLain in the 70th minute. Valeri blew kisses to the fans following the goal.

Johnson’s fourth goal of the season came in the 90th minute when his low kick skirted past several defenders and the reach of McClain.

It was Portland goal keeper Donovan Ricketts’ fourth clean sheet of the season.

Chivas was also without midfielder Carlos Alvarez, who was suspended two games and fined an undisclosed amount by the MLS for `violent conduct’ during the loss to Sporting KC.

Alvarez, penalized for kicking the ball at Peterson Joseph’s head, will also miss the team’s match against Real Salt Lake on May 19.

Earlier this week, Chivas traded Juan Agudelo to the New England Revolution in exchange for allocation money. The forward had two goals this season for the Goats.

Chivas USA won all three meetings with the Timbers last season.

The Timbers Army supporters group coordinated for a fan display of a rainbow flag, unfurling a banner that said “Pride Not Prejudice” in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia this May 17.

Attendance for the match was announced at 20,674, the Timbers’ 40th straight sellout.

TIMBERS 3, CHIVAS USA 0

Chivas USA 0 0–0

Portland 1 2–3

First half–1, Portland, Wallace 3 (Johnson, Valeri), 35th minute.

Second half–2, Portland, Valeri 3 (Wallace), 70th. 3, Portland, Johnson 4 (Alhassan), 90th+.

Goalies–Chivas USA, Dan Kennedy; Portland, Donovan Ricketts.

Yellow Cards–Borja, Chivas USA, 73rd; De Luna, Chivas USA, 86th.

Referee–Silviu Petrescu. Assistant Referees–Kevin Duliba. Mike Rottersman. 4th Official–Daniel Radford.

A–20,674 (20,000)

Lineups

Chivas USA–Dan Kennedy, Steve Purdy, Joaquin Velazquez, Mario De Luna, Giovani Casillas (Jose Correa, 46th), Marvin Iraheta (Aaron Ponce, 59th), Eric Avila, Josue Soto, Edgar Mejia, Carlos Borja, Tristan Bowen (Jose Rivera, 65th).

Portland–Donovan Ricketts, Michael Harrington (Frederic Piquionne, 82nd), Mamadou Danso, Rodney Wallace, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Diego Chara, Darlington Nagbe (Kalif Alhassan, 71st), Diego Valeri, Jack Jewsbury (Ben Zemanski, 73rd), Will Johnson, Ryan Johnson.

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