The Portland Timbers ended their drought with a record goal-scoring splurge and they look to follow up the barrage when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday.
The Timbers set a franchise single-game record for goals in last Saturday’s 7-2 trouncing of visiting Sporting Kansas City. The explosion followed a four-match winless stretch (0-3-1) in MLS play in which Portland scored just once.
The Timbers (3-3-6, 15 points) scored six of the goals in the second half in an unforeseen flurry, while Sebastian Blanco became the first player in Portland history to have two goals and two assists in the same game.
Blanco, who scored seven goals last season, didn’t have any this year entering the match.
“For me, it’s a relief because only the people who know me know how much I suffer when I don’t have the opportunity to play and feel that happy again inside the field,” Blanco said. “I only want to help my team. If I can help, this is welcome. If not, I will help off the bench or outside, but I want the best for the Timbers.”
Blanco wasn’t the only Portland player to record a brace. Nathan Fogaca also had two goals in his club debut.
Meanwhile, San Jose (2-5-4, 10 points) is coming off a 3-3 tie at the Vancouver Whitecaps. All six goals came in the second half.
Jeremy Ebobisse scored twice and is tied for second in the MLS with seven goals.
“The team achievements come first,” Ebobisse said. “The goals were useful for a tie, but ultimately, I want to win. I’ve been to an MLS Cup before (with Portland in 2018). If my goals help get us there, then I’ll be super grateful and grateful to the rest of the team who are providing the service for those goals.”
Ebobisse was acquired from the Timbers last August after scoring 26 goals in 88 matches from 2017-21. The 25-year-old is on pace to shatter his career best of 11 goals in 2019.
Ebobisse saw his old teammates last Oct. 27 but was held in check during a 2-0 loss.
San Jose went 0-2-1 against Portland last season.
–Field Level Media