Minnesota United suffered a 5-1 defeat to Portland Timbers on their MLS debut on Saturday at Providence Park. Kenyan defender Lawrence Olum scored the first goal of the 2017 MLS season to give Timbers a one-nil lead in the 14th minute. The lead was then doubled in the 47th minute thanks to Diego Valeri's header that was well received from a Sebastian Blanco cross.
Everything you need to know about the new MLS outfit
Welcome to the league, Minnesota. #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/X8DvgTtOjk
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 4, 2017
The newcomers showed signs of bouncing back when Christian Ramires scored the first goal for the side in their MLS history in the 79th minute, but things went from bad to worse. Three more goals were scored in the 82nd, 91st, and 92nd minute respectively by Valeri and Fernando Adi (brace), to give Timbers a 5-1 win.
The Friday night attendance just showed how bad the fans had missed the MLSChristian Ramires' goal for Minnesota
Just add water... #PORvMIN | 2-1 | @Chris_Ramirez17 pic.twitter.com/OXN4F8reGe
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 4, 2017
But it was a good experience for the newly-promoted side as they still have a long way to go and bigger challenges to face. Minnesota play Atlanta on March 12 at home in their next MLS fixture, then travel away to Colorado Rapids for their March 18th game.
Then there were some hilarious banners in the stadium too!
A warm welcome to the league from the Timbers. #PORvMIN pic.twitter.com/moK3gttlkE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 4, 2017
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