The Colorado Rapids and Portland Timbers played their first preseason matches on Tuesday, facing off against each other in Tucson, Arizona in 45-minute matches before separately facing Phoenix Rising.
It was a good day for the Rapids, winning both of their matches and earning clean sheets. The first of the three 45 minute matches was between the MLS teams, won by the Rapids. The Rapids then collected a second win of the day against Phoenix, with Timbers also winning the day's final match against Phoenix.
Colorado Rapids 2, Portland Timbers 0
The Rapids enjoyed a solid start to preseason with a win over a Western Conference rival, showing off their attacking abilities.
Robin Fraser's side took control of the early stages of the match, and though the Timbers defense managed to handle the Rapids attack for a little while, Colorado got their reward in the 18th minute. From Danny Wilson's long ball, new signing Michael Barrios struck a far-post finish.
The Timbers got into the match after that point, with Tega Ikokba getting close to scoring for his side. just seven minutes later.
The Rapids were able to regain control of the match, though, and got the security goal in the 42nd minute through Kellyn Acosta on a counter involving Younes Namli, Nicolas Benezet and Andre Shinyashiki.
Goals
- 18' -- COL -- Michael Barrios
- 42' -- COL -- Kellyn Acosta
Lineups
Colorado Rapids: Abraham Rodriquez, Keegan Rosenberry, Lalas Abubakar, Danny Wilson, Steven Beitashour, Jack Price, Kellyn Acosta, Younes Namli, Nicolas Benezet, Andre Shinyashiki, Michael Barrios
Portland Timbers: Jeff Attinella, Pablo Bonilla, Tega Ikoba, Zac McGraw, Bill Tuiloma, Eryk Williamson, Renzo Zambrano, Trialist 1, Trialist 2, Trialist 3
Colorado Rapids 2, Phoenix Rising 0
The Rapids picked up a second 2-0 win in a row on Tuesday, beating Phoenix in similar fashion.
Once again the dominant side in attack, the Rapids began the scoring in the 12th minute. It was a moment to remember for new homegrown signing Oliver Larraz who found the net for the first time in a Rapids jersey.
Ten minutes later, the MLS side doubled the lead through another of the club's homegrown talents, Matt Hundley.
Goals
- 12' -- COL -- Oliver Larraz
- 22' -- Matt Hundley
Lineups
Colorado Rapids: Andre Rawls, Jeremy Kelly, Kortne Ford, Drew Moor, Sebastian Anderson, Collen Warner, Oliver Larraz, Nicolas Mezquida, Matt Hundley, Darren Yapi, Yaya Toure
Phoenix Rising: Trialist 7, Trialist 9, Trialist 4, Joe Farrell, Trialist 5, Trialist 2, Ivan Gutierrez, Mondragon, Dunn, Prince Saydee, Trialist 1
Portland Timbers 1, Phoenix Rising 0
The Timbers got their first win of preseason, beating Phoenix in another 45 minute scrimmage in Arizona.
Both sides had opportunities, but in the end one goal separated the sides. The Timbers were rewarded for their work with a 25th minute own goal from Phoenix, with Diego Valeri and Felipe Mora combining before the ball found the back of the net.
Goals
- 25' -- POR -- own goal
Lineups
Portland Timbers: Claudio Bravo, Steve Clark, Diego Chara, Yimmi Chara, Jeremy Ebobisse, Larrys Mabiala, Felipe Mora, Cristhian Paredes, Diego Valeri, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Dario Zuparic
Phoenix Rising: Zac Lubin, Deklan Wynne, James Musa, Tobi Adewole, Darnell King, Kevon Lambert, Aodhan Quinn, Joey Calistri, Santi Moar, Solomon Asante, Rufat Dadashov
