FC Dallas beats Portland 2-1 despite Timbers’ possession advantage

FC Dallas defeated the Portland Timbers 2-1 at Toyota Stadium on Sunday, September 13, moving to 43 points in the Western Conference while Portland remained on 32. Dallas led 1-0 at half-time and held on after a late Portland response.

Farrington breaks the deadlock

The opening half was decided in the 45th minute. Logan Farrington finished a move assisted by Shaquell Moore, giving FC Dallas the lead just before the interval. The goal was Farrington’s only shot on target, but it proved decisive as Dallas protected the advantage for much of the second half.

Portland made an attacking change in the 56th minute, sending Ariel Lassiter on for Julio Joao Ortiz Landazuri. Dallas responded with substitutions involving Herman Johansson and Christian Cappis, while Gage Guerra later replaced Omir Fernandez for the Timbers. These changes preceded a more open closing period.

Dallas doubles the lead, Portland answers

Joaquín Valiente Cioli extended the lead in the 87th minute, scoring from Petar Musa’s assist. Musa had entered 13 minutes earlier for Farrington, making an immediate contribution from the bench. Portland did not surrender quietly: Lassiter reduced the deficit in the 90th minute after receiving the final pass from Gage Guerra.

The late goal created pressure for Dallas, but no further score followed. The only booking went to FC Dallas midfielder Kaick da Silva Ferreira in the 47th minute. Neither team received a red card, and Portland finished with no yellow cards.

Portland had more of the ball but not the result

The statistics show a clear difference between control and efficiency. Portland held 60% possession, completed 477 accurate passes from 557 attempts and produced 17 shots. Dallas had 40% possession, 289 accurate passes from 365 attempts and nine shots. Portland also led 13-6 in shots inside the box and 7-1 in shots off target.

Dallas was more accurate in the key measure, recording five shots on goal to Portland’s four. Both goalkeepers made three saves. The hosts also won seven corners to five and committed 13 fouls compared with Portland’s four, while the Timbers were flagged offside three times to Dallas’s one.

Valiente leads Dallas’s response

Valiente Cioli was the standout performer, receiving an 8.2 rating after playing all 90 minutes. His goal, shot on target, key pass and two tackles underlined his influence. The win gives fourth-placed Dallas a stronger position after a pre-match record of 11 wins, seven draws and six losses, while Portland’s eighth-place record moved to 9-5-10 with this defeat. Dallas finished with consecutive wins in its latest form sequence; Portland ended its latest sequence with a loss.