A hard fought battle as derbies go, this match could've went either way -- that is until Eddie Johnson flicked Mauro Rosale's free kick past a planted Donovan Ricketts to open the scoring. The Sounders and Timbers had a few more good looks but EJ's goal was enough win the match and move the team back up into playoff position. Clint Dempsey made his home debut in front of the sold out crowd and showed well, even trying a little self-titled 'ninja kick' which in real time looked like the most insane breakdancing move ever invented. Goalkeeper MIchael Gspurning was deservedly man of the match after multiple key saves to preserve the shutout and win for the home team.
The first of Gspurning's big saves. Good timing to dive and stone Portland's Ryan Johnson:
This challenge by Pa Madouh "Not All That" Kah on Eddie Johnson was reckless and certainly will not garner him looks from EPL side Totttenham. It was a deserved yellow card:
Plus it set up a beautiful free kick by Mauro Rosales to the Blonde one:
And this virtual unknown player named Clint Dempsey tries some ninja kick sh*t:
