PORTLAND, Ore. - Another wild one at Providence Park, and as they old saying goes, "better late, then never." A penalty-kick goal from Will Johnson in the 79th minute and a 94th-minute equalizer from Pa Modou Kah erased a two-goal deficit as the Portland Timbers drew FC Dallas 2-2. The Timbers have now scored 10 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season, and left fans on the edge of their seats to the the very end once again.
Tonight's match was the final match in MLS before the break for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Let's take a look back on #PORvDAL through they eyes of fans on social media.
It was a midweek match, but that didn't deter the Timbers faithful from getting their wristbands and spots in line for a nationally televised showdown with FC Dallas.
And it was yet another beautiful night in the Rose City. Soccer was top of mind with the 2014 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. But on this night, the Timbers and Timbers Army each took a moment to remember local student Emilio Hoffman, who was killed in the recent school shooting at Reynolds High School. He was a soccer player for the school's JV team and wore No. 29. So in the 29th minute, the Timbers Army paid him a tribute.
On the field, there was movement up the table at stake for whomever could claim all three points. The two Western Conference rivals went at it in a match that got physical from the start and, in the end, produced a pair of of red cards for the Hoops and had an assistant coach tossed from the bench.
The Timbers found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break. There was a full moon rising up over Providence Park and as we've seen in previous home matches this season, anything can happen.
And the stars must have aligned, too, and wouldn't you know it. The Timbers earned a PK at home. With 11 minutes remaining, Johnson converted to pull the Timbers within a goal, 2-1.
The red cards came a flyin' late in the match, with the first coming in the 87th minute and another two minutes into second-half stoppage time. With just minutes to play, the Timbers had a two-man advantage and trailed by a goal. Portland's attack and pressure, particularly in the second half, had them knocking on the door. Could they find yet another stoppage time goal?
Mr. Kah, would you like to answer the question?
No better time for a first MLS goal then the 94th minute, I'd say. And after his "Kiss of Kah" made the rounds on the internet a few matches back, it was teammates and fans alike offering to return the favor on this night.
Ok, trivia time. Did you know that Kah's goal was the fourth goal scored in the 94th minute OR later this season? Yep, that's true. Look it up.
Another dramatic finish at Providence Park and perhaps a few more gray hairs for those in the stands, but the Timbers found a way to earn a result and keep their unbeaten home record against FC Dallas (3-0-2) intact.
That's the life of a supporter, my friend; all in.
With confetti on the ground and a point in the back pocket, we will see you Tuesday for the start of another journey - the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
