It was a big night for the Portland Timbers. Playing in their first CONCACAF Champions League match at Providence Park, the home side notched four goals against Honduran side CD Olimpia to take sole possession of first place in Group 5. It was a night of goals, smoke of all colors (although green is a fan fav), celebrations and, most importanly, three points in the club's quest to advance to the CCL quarterfinals.
It was an historic night, the first CCL match in the Rose City. Fans, both familiar and new, made their way to Providence Park for this one. We saw them at the last home game, and I think the cast of TV show Grimm are starting to become fans. Not that we can blame them.
The @NBCGrimm girls representing at the @TimbersFC game!! @RealBreeTurner @clairecoffee @jtaboner. #portlandtimbers pic.twitter.com/LjwcASLnFI
— Bitsie Tulloch (@BitsieTulloch) September 17, 2014
My first @TimbersFC game and I have amazing seats! #RCTID #PDX pic.twitter.com/f9bISJR4OW
— Kevin Talens (@KTalensIII) September 17, 2014
Maximiliano Urruti was in the groove, scoring two goals. And what a smooth finish on this one early in the match.
Ooh that's smooth, Maxi. #PORvOLI #CCL #RCTID https://t.co/Eg2ktz4CxI
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) September 17, 2014
Historic first CCL goal at home. #UruttiInTheSkyWithDiamonds #RCTID #CCL pic.twitter.com/dnhTjDwsgi
— BOG (@BackOfficeGavin) September 17, 2014
Before Urruti's goal for @TimbersFC, @CDOlimpia had not conceded a #CCL goal in 392 minutes ... #CONCACAF
— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) September 17, 2014
Will Johnson struck for a nasty goal late in the first half. It was worth the price of admission.
All I see is green smoke! #rctid pic.twitter.com/4f2ThuX6fW
— skywaker9 (@skywaker9) September 17, 2014
As the seasons start to change from summer to fall, the colors in the sky at sunset set a beautiful backdrop on Providence Park.
Maxi was was a man possessed vs. CD Olimpia. You. Just. Got. Served.
With authority, Urruti! #CCL #PORvOLI
— John Bava III (@LWOS_JB3) September 17, 2014
Good shift for Urruti. Not only the goals but good pressure all over the field. Adi on for him in 81st. #RCTID
— Paul Danzer (@col_timbers) September 17, 2014
To cap things off, Rauwshan McKenzie scored his first professional goal to complete Portland's four-goal output against CD Olimpia. It was a fourth goal and a fourth log slab for Timber Joey, but the man is in mid-season form and took McKenzie's slab up to meet the people in the North End.
Got to take a picture with cool guy ⚽️ #Portland #portlandtimbers @TimbersFC pic.twitter.com/v25R8u7qF7
— Katherine Janney (@KJanney_123) September 17, 2014
72' - Rauwshan McKenzie doubles @TimbersFC lead with his 1st ever goal ... Portland 4, @CDOlimpia 2 ... #CCL #CONCACAF
— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) September 17, 2014
@TimbersFC Goals Goals Goals Goals Goals, Goals Goals Goals Goals Goals!!!!
— Kevin (@pdxclimber) September 17, 2014
Let 'em know where they're at, Portland. #Timbers #Portland This is #MLS. #CCL
— Nick Chávez (@NickChavezMLS) September 17, 2014
With four goals, we saw plenty of green smoke ... and white smoke ... and yellow smoke. And we loved every nostrill-filled breath we took.
A victory well worth celebrating. Join the boys for their post-game walk; see if you can keep up.
Timbers win 4 to 2 over CD Olimpia #RCTID pic.twitter.com/VCGbqfRCQK
— Tom Mack (@tommack) September 17, 2014
Historic night for this club. Thank you to the day 1 fans, you guys deserve it! #ptfc #RCTID
— Rodney Wallace (@rodwallace22) September 17, 2014
Certainly a candidate for the CenturyLink Man of the Match, but by the night's end, Mr. Urruti (and his goals) were trending on social media in PDX.
'urruti' is now trending in #Portland http://t.co/d6bOiIfLDy
— Trendsmap Portland (@TrendsPortland) September 17, 2014
And just because we can't get enough. We leave you with this one last shot of ... you guessed it. #MOARSMOKE