Minnesota 4-4 Portland: Eight-goal thriller sees The Loons and the Timbers share the points

Minnesota were held to 4-4 draw by Portland down on Saturday at Allianz Field. After today’s result, Minnesota are in 5th place, with 32 points from 31 matches, while Portland sit in 6th, with 31 points from 31.

It was an impressive opening from The Timbers, with an early goal from Blanco in the 1st minute. However, their lead didn’t last for long, Fragapane producing an equaliser in the 9th minute, bringing Minnesota level. The momentum was now with The Loons, who then scored again through a goal from Hlongwane at the 21 minute mark to establish a 2-1. They then scored again, increasing their advantage thanks to a goal from Amarilla just before halftime. The first half ended 3-1.

Portland fought back, with an early second effort from Blanco in the 50th minute. The momentum was now with Portland, who then scored again through a goal from Niezgoda, at 53 minutes to establish a 3-3. The momentum was now with The Timbers, who then scored again through a goal from Lawrence at the 65 minute mark to establish a 4-3. In the end though, their celebrations were kept brief, as Amarilla equalised for Minnesota, 69 minutes in. The final result, Minnesota 4, Portland 4.

Substitutions for Minnesota included Benítez and Rosales for Taylor and Arriaga, repectively. Portland brought on Asprilla, Loria and Mora, to replace Chará, Blanco and Niezgoda.

There were bookings for Boxall, Arriaga, Benítez, Reynoso and Lod from Minnesota. For Portland, Chará, Chará, David Ayala and Asprilla saw yellow.