PORTLAND, Ore. - You could not have asked for a better setting at Providence Park. A sun-drenched field set the stage for special Mother's Day matinee and a nationally televised match between the Portland Timbers and LA Galaxy. The two clubs went at it for 90 minutes and left it for the end. Galaxy forward Robbie Keane poached a goal early in second-half stoppage time, but for a second straight match it would come down to the final play(s) of the match. This time, it was late-game heroics from midfielder Diego Valeri to pull the Timbers level, 1-1, scoring nearly five full minutes into second-half stoppage time, just moments before the referee's final whistle. With the draw, the Timbers continue on their regular-season, home unbetean streak at Providence Park - now at 21 games.
Let's take a look back today's match through social media:
It was a day to celebrate Moms and all that they do. So fans and soccer Moms alike flocked to Providence Park for an afternoon of Timbers soccer and were greeted with carnations on their way in. Thank you, Mom.
The weather for today's match was picturesque, setting the stage perfectly the Galaxy's lone visit to the Rose City during the 2014 regular season.
Supporters were in full song, and perfectly themed, as always, with the Timbers wearing their retro-inspired third kits today.
The day and the atmostphere at Providence Park captured the attention of soccer fans across the country with the game being broadcast on NBC Sports Network. Sporting KC broadcaster Callum Williams caught the game while passing time in the Detroit airport.
Both the Timbers and Galaxy had their moments throughout the match. Defender Futty Danso put a header off the post in the 59th minute; it was Portland's league-leading ninth shot to hit off the woodwork this season. Chasing the league's scoring record, LA's Landon Donovan had a quality look from the top of the 18, but Timbers goalkeeper Dovonvan Ricketts denied his former teammate with one of his four saves on the day.
But just on the other side of 90 minutes, the Galaxy were able to steal a lead as Keane ran on to the end of a LONG throw-in and headed an open look by Ricketts.
Portland had not lost a regular-season match at home since early in the 2013 regular season - a string of 20 games entering the day. Would this be the day? Would the Galaxy be the team to bring the streak to an end?
Pump the breaks, ESPN App. The Timbers showed fight throughout the match and weren't to be counted out. With the referee's clock ticking down, it was Valeri turn for a little late-game magic to ensure the that streak continued.
It was Valeri's second goal of the season and the timing couldn't have been better. Coming at 94:18, Valeri's goal was the latest goal scored by the Timbers in their MLS history, and ensured at least a point for the boys in green for yet another home match.
There was excitement right down to the end: two goals in stoppage time, Timber Joey cutting a slab. Valeri scoring the latest goal in Timbers MLS history for the equalizer! Apparently, enough excitement to wear this little guy out.
Timbers-Galaxy games in Portland are never without excitement and today's match at Providence Park was no exception. We hope it was a great Mother's Day for Moms and all fans.
