On the Portland Timbers first road trip of 2012 to FC Dallas, the squad showd some poise and spirit--particularly in the second half after falling behind 1-0. The match featured some strong performances including centerback Hanyer Mosquera--who ably made is MLS debut on the backline--as well as fellow centerback Eric Brunner. Midfielder and Designated Player Diego Chara also worked to hold down the midfield and help spark a comeback.
However, it was the timely subsitution of Darlington Nagbe who came in right after halftime that made the difference. In the 51st minute, while the broadcast team coincidentally was having their sideline check-in with head coach John Spencer, Nagbe bounced on a misplayed FC Dallas clearance to gather the ball and slot it home. Spencer, in mid-interview with play-by-play man John Strong, cheered his approval.
With his clutch scoring and timely play, Darlington Nagbe was voted your CenturyLink Man of the Match.
Darlington Nagbe - 65.0%
Diego Chara - 16.0%
Hanyer Mosquera - 11.0%
Eric Brunner - 8.0%
As Nagbe commented postgame, “I just tried to stay calm and try not get tackled from behind and make sure I got a shot off,”
“It feels good. Hopefully I can keep it going. It’s a long season, and I have to keep remembering that.”
Congratulations to Darlington and be sure to visit www.portlandtimbers.com/motm to vote for the next CenturyLink Man of the Match.
