PORTLAND, Ore.—Fanendo Adi doesn't have a ready explanation for his scoring prowess against Real Salt Lake. Whatever lies behind it, though, there's no denying that Adi has been more than a handful for the RSL defense.
In three meetings between the two sides this year, Adi has scored four goals -- including the 12th-minute winner in Saturday night's 1-0 home victory at Providence Park.
“I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time,” said Adi, who converted after a shot by Darlington Nagbe deflected off of Real's Chris Schuler.
Adi also showed plenty of poise, though, as he shifted the ball from his left foot to his right for an easy finish on his 14th goal of the season – and his seventh career goal against RSL in as many matches.
“Sometimes in front of goal, you have to be very composed," he said. "I took my time just to see where the goalkeeper was standing and just kicked it in.”
Adi brings more than focus to the pitch, RSL manager Jeff Cassar said.
“He’s very physical and he puts himself in good positions. It was more about positioning tonight (on the goal) rather than them breaking us down."
Adi does have a way of wearing down opposing defenses, Portland center back Steven Taylor said – and at 6-foot-4, the Nigerian forward provides an inviting target for passes out of the back from Taylor and Liam Ridgewell.
“We don’t only have Adi, but he’s a great outlet,” Taylor said. “He’s a big powerhouse up front, and you see their defenders tonight, they really struggled to cope with his physical presence. He deserves a lot of credit tonight because his work rate was incredible."
Adi also provides a challenge for Portland's defenders during training, Taylor said, making them work hard to deal with his physicality and presence.
“Love it. I love the physical battle,” Taylor said.. “I think it helps us in the games.”
