CARSON, Calif. – Former Sueño MLS winner Jorge Villafaña had a dream return to Southern California, setting up the game-winner against his old team as recent acquisition Fanendo Adi and the Portland Timbers beat Chivas USA, 2-0, on Wednesday night at StubHub Center.
Villafaña, an Anaheim native traded to Portland in the offseason, hooked in a cross to Adi from the left in the 65th minute, and the forward deposited it for his first of two goals on the night. Adi, who was acquired on loan from Danish club FC Copenhagen two weeks ago, scored again six minutes later on a clean breakaway following a Diego Valeri feed.
The Timbers (3-3-7) extended their unbeaten streak to six games and grabbed 11 points from a possible 15 in the month of May. They also leveled their all-time series with Chivas USA, 4-4-2, in 10 meetings.
For Chivas USA (2-6-4), the frustration turned physical in the 84th minute as defender Bobby Burling received a straight red card for a late tackle on Adi. It was the fifth red card of the year for the Goats, who were playing without holding midfielder Oswaldo Minda due to caution accumulation.
The Timbers held a 65-35 edge in possession percentage in the first half and had five attempts on goal to the Goats’ one, forcing Dan Kennedy to make three saves. The home team's scheme shifted in the second half, but Portland capitalized on the counter attack, with Villafaña recording his first assist in just his second start with his new club.
The clubs played to a 1-1 draw in Portland on April 12 and are set to meet for the final time this season on Aug. 9 at Providence Park.
Chivas USA return to action on Saturday night when they host the Philadelphia Union, while the Timbers return home to face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
Rank |
Player |
What We Saw |
1 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/fanendo-adi" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Fanendo Adi</span></strong></a> |
Making good on his considerable promise. Looks like the true target forward Portland has needed. |
2 |
<strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/jorge-villafana" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12px;">Jorge Villafa</span><span style="font-size:12px;">ñ</span><span style="font-size:12px;">a</span></a></strong> |
Hit one of the prettiest crosses of the season - by anyone - to break the deadlock. Finally looks at home at left back. |
3 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/diego-valeri" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Diego Valeri</span></strong></a> |
His class showed, and as soon as he stepped onto the field this one was over. |
