Though the leaves may have been changing in the Rose City, the weather still felt like a fine summer evening as the Portland Timbers played host to the San Jose Earthquakes at Providence Park. The Timbers came out aggressive controlling much of the first half run of play with numerous chances.
Finally, in the 41st minute, they were rewarded. Working the left channel, the Timbers put on a superb clinic of build-up play. Midfielder Darlington Nagbe threaded a silky ball through to Rodney Wallace on his left. Wallace carried in on goal and fired home for a 1-0 Timbers lead.
Shortly after the second half got underway, the Timbers were given a free kick on the far left side of the field. Diego Valeri whipped in a ball that saw San Jose defenders jostling for position and eventually pull down Wallace. The referee immediately whistled for a penalty and pointed to the spot. Valeri stepped to take and cooly slotted it home to the right side and a 2-0 Timbers lead.
In the 73rd minute, the Timbers attack was at it again. Nagbe played out wide left to Wallace who drilled a shot on frame. Quakes keeper Jon Busch parried it away but right to the feet of Valeri who calmly hammered it in for a 3-0 Timbers lead. The goal, Valeri's 11th of the season, also set a new club MLS record the team.
