By Tony Álvarez
There weren’t many goals, but the Portland Timbers controlled the flow of the game and capitalized on a man advantage to beat Club Querétaro 1-0, moving closer to securing a spot in the Leagues Cup knockout stages.
After a convincing win in their previous match, the MLS side entered as clear favorites against a struggling Mexican team — and it showed from the outset, with sharp transitions that created early chances.
However, it took over half an hour for the home team to break through. The lone goal came in the 36th minute after a corner kick. Ariel Lassiter sent in the service, and Zac McGraw tried to finish with a header. The ball ricocheted off a defender, and Cristhian Paredes pounced on the rebound, slotting it in from close range.
Querétaro’s efforts to mount a comeback took a major hit just before halftime. Jonathan Perlaza committed a foul on Omir Fernández and was shown a yellow card. Upset with the decision, the young Ecuadorian slammed the ball to the ground in protest, prompting the referee to issue a second yellow — resulting in a red card in the 45+1st minute.
In the second half, Portland Timbers took advantage of the extra man. Lassiter continued to generate danger with crosses and incisive passes, including a shot that narrowly missed the target. Still, the scoreline remained unchanged.
Querétaro’s only real opportunity after the break came in the 64th minute, when Fernando González took a free kick that curled just wide to the right. The Timbers then managed the game effectively, securing three crucial points — giving them six total — ahead of their final Phase One matchup against Club América, who will need a win to keep their tournament hopes alive.
REACTIONS:
- Timbers Head Coach Phil Neville
- “I didn’t think it was great game, in the game of (soccer) you need two teams to try and win the game, and I did not think they showed any interest in winning the game."
- "We could have scored a few more but another clean sheet in three games is a success and we are going to try and get another win. I think we´re going to have to get to 7 or 8 points to qualify, so looking forward to it.”
- Querétaro Head Coach Benjamín Mora
- “My impressions of the game are positive. We were on a very difficult pitch with very complicated artificial grass, with mental fatigue from the last defeat. We made some changes to the starting lineup to give minutes to players who hadn't had much game time, and we performed very well.”
GAME NOTES:
- Portland Timbers has had two straight Leagues Cup clean sheets, third straight over all.
- Cristhian Paredes has scored a goal in two of last three games.
- The Timbers have not allowed a goal in the tournament, +5 in goal differential.
- Club Querétaro committed 15 fouls in the game.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT:
- Yellow Cards
- Portland: Kevin Kelsy, Ian Smith
- Querétaro: None
- Red Cards:
- Querétaro: Jonathan Perlaza
- Injuries:
- Querétaro: Kevin Escamilla
LOOKING AHEAD:
- The Timbers will play their third game against Club América at Q2 Stadium at 9:30pm ET on August 6, looking for a third straight Leagues Cup victory to reach the knockout stages with first place of the table in mind.
- Querétaro will play their third game against Real Salt Lake at America First Field at 9:30pm ET on August 6, looking to end their participation with a victory that would lift their spirits heading back to Liga MX play.
