The Portland Timbers played their first MLS match on Friday night against PDL side Ventura County Fusion. In the end, the new MLS side could only scratch out a 1-1 draw with the amateur Fusion, but keep in mind that preseason play is one of the worst methods for evaluating soccer teams. And certainly keep that in mind as the Timbers travel further south, playing the Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday.
The Fusion, who finished first in the Southwest Division of the PDL last season, opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Eder Vaca's deflected shot. Portland, however, were reluctant to have their first Major League Soccer match be recorded as a loss, even if it was a mere friendly. The Timbers' first round pick, Darlington Nagbe, scored at the start of the second, combining with Jorge Perlaza. The Columbian striker joined the team in training on Thursday, and the Timbers are anxious to officially have him on board before the season starts.