The Portland Timbers climbed back into a tie for the 10th and final playoff spot on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 win on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at newly-renovated B.C. Place. Needing a win to stay in the thick of the MLS Cup Playoff hunt, Diego Chara raced down the right flank and sent a cross to Kenny Cooper on the left side of the penalty box in the 25th minute. Cooper settled the ball and unleashed a deft strike to the far post that gave Portland a 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Troy Perkins made two saves and earned his career-high ninth shutout of the season as the Timbers earned their second road win this year.
Cooper's first-half tally gave the Timbers a crucial lead against the Whitecaps FC in one of the season's most important contests. With just three matches remaining, Portland needed the points to stay in playoff contention. Cooper has scored a goal in three of the Timbers last four matches and is tied with Jack Jewsbury for the team lead with seven goals. Garnering just under 75 percent of the votes, Kenny Cooper is your CenturyLink Man of the Match.
Kenny Cooper - 73.40%
Diego Chara - 22.12%
Eric Brunner - 2.55%
Darlington Nagbe - 1.26%
James Marcelin - 0.67%
Congratulations to Kenny and remember to visit Facebook.com/PortlandTimbers for future CenturyLink Man of the Match votes.
