After securing three points in their Leagues Cup opening game against the San Jose Earthquakes, Portland was in position to clinch a spot in the knockout stage with at least a draw. The Timbers could also advance in a three-way tie through goal differential.
Tigres is one of the most storied clubs in North America—and in the world. The opportunity to play a team of this historic stature is huge.
Playing at a disadvantage for over a half would be too much to overcome, as the Timbers dropped the last game of the Leagues Cup group stage 1-2.
In the 24th minute, Evander took on his best Leo Messi impersonation and hit the perfect free kick into to the upper 90 to put the home side up 1-0.
The good times would not keep on rollin’, unfortunately.
In the 42nd minute, former France international, André-Pierre Gignac scored the equalizer for Tigres.
To make matters even worse for Portland, Evander got sent off with his second yellow in the 44th minute.
Even down a player in the second half, the Portland Timbers refused to bunker. Both teams exchanged chances, tackles, and shots.
In the 81st minute, Jesús Angulo beat Juan David Mosquera far post and gave the visitors the 1-2 lead.
In order to try to get a result out of the game, head coach Gio Savarese made a triple sub in the 88th minute: Franck Boli for Dairon Asprilla, Sebastián Blanco for Claudio Bravo, and Miguel Araujo for Mosquera. The Timbers would play the rest of the game with a three-back of Miguel Araujo, Dario Župarić, and Zac McGraw.
Still, the Timbers did enough to move on in the Leagues Cup. (There is no scenario that existed where they didn’t move on.)
Evander
The biggest transfer in Timbers history has taken the reigns of this team and won’t let go.
He is putting his stamp on games and has shown his best stretch of play.
In the 24th minute, Evander delivered once again for Portland.
The Timbers will continue to win games if this stud continues to take over matches.
EVANDER! 🎯
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 27, 2023
A perfect set piece to give @TimbersFC the lead! pic.twitter.com/QCl6X2v7w3
Unfortunately, Evander picked up his first yellow in the 39th minute. Then, the head official decided to get involved in the 44th minute and give Evander his second yellow.
Replays showed that this was not warranted, and it was a real shame, as the game was starting to go end-to-end with a ton of action.
As a player on a yellow card, you’ve got to be extremely careful and not put yourself in that position.
It was a frustrating way for Evander to end his time in the game, especially with such a big start.
Felipe Mora
Mora has worked his tail off to come back and has recently returned to play. However, this start was a huge milestone for him.
His professionalism through it all shows his character. There aren’t many players who have committed to the city and team the way he has. These moments and opportunities are more than deserved for the Timbers’ No. 9.
Officiating
Instead of playing this entire game at full strength, Evander’s second yellow card put us down to 10 players for the second half.
The official decided to intervene and have the main say over the game.
Gio: "I usually have great respect for referees. However that call ruined tonight's match." #RCTID
— Jeremy Peterman (@SportsGuyJeremy) July 27, 2023
The atmosphere was amazing throughout, and the fans would have loved to see these teams go at it with everything they’ve got.
Make no mistake, the official allowed both teams to play. But Tigres is a phenomenal side and did not need the extra assistance.
“I just think the referee ruined the game,” said Savarese. “The referee ruined the game on a red card that was not conscientious of what is happening in the game. For me, there was no need. We were facing a very good team that didn’t need any extra help.”
It’ll a long time before we ever see these two sides go at it again, if ever. It’s a shame that a game was decided in that fashion.
Quote of the Night
“I said to Zac at halftime ‘This is gonna be a war, but we’re going to die like heroes’ and it *was* like that. I would like to lose every game like this.” -Dario Zuparic postgame. #RCTID
— Alex Barnes (@ABarnesandnoble) July 27, 2023
Unlock with Patreon