PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers earned a big three points at Providence Park Sunday as they beat Toronto FC 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd.
The game had some excellent saves from goalkeeper Jake Gleeson along with solid defense in helping repel the Reds’ attacks from Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, but it was also a special day as Portland midfielder Diego Valeri contributed a goal and an assist—all on his 30th birthday.
While it was the seventh time in his MLS career that Valeri has had a goal and an assist in the same game, scoring on his birthday was a first.
“I’m really happy about that,” a smiling Valeri told reporters after the match.
The goal came about in the 74th minute via a scorching free kick that the Argentine teed up from about 30 yards out. But according to Valeri, it also came with a little extra encouragement from his teammate, Lucas Melano.
“[Melano] touched the ball [just before the kick] and said, ‘Hey, you will score with this kick, in this moment.’ So, thank you Lucas,” said Valeri with a laugh.
Valeri also played a big part in the team’s first goal as he, Chris Klute and Darren Mattocks combined from some pinpoint passing inside the attacking third. Klute threw the ball into Valeri near the corner flag before the two passed to each other to escape danger. Valeri quickly found Mattocks, Mattocks found Valeri again, and finally Valeri found Fanendo Adi open in the six-yard box and the Timbers were on the board with an important first half goal.
“I think it was much better than the second one,” said Valeri. “It had very good movement, passes—it was almost a futsal goal. I like that style of goals. That means that the team is playing well.”
Though Valeri was happy with his goal and assist performance on his birthday, the team win was the real reward.
“It was special for me, for my family, of course,” he said. “It was a gift and we got three points which is even better.”
