Julian Carranza notches brace as Union top Timbers

Updated: Mar 24, 2024, 01:12 am

Julian Carranza scored twice as the short-handed Philadelphia Union earned their first victory of the season, a shocking 3-1 decision against the host Portland Timbers on Saturday night.

Quinn Sullivan also scored and backup goalkeeper Oliver Semmle made six saves for the Union (1-0-3, six points), who were without six starters because of international duty.

Jonathan Rodriguez scored a late goal for the Timbers (2-2-1, seven points), who suffered their second straight defeat.

Carranza's goal in the 28th minute came against the run of play, as Portland had controlled possession for nearly 73 percent of the match up to that point. Kai Wagner's corner kick from the right wing found Carranza at the top of the 6-yard box, and he put a header just inside the right post.

Carranza nearly doubled the advantage in the 35th minute, getting the ball at the top of the penalty area after a Timbers turnover, but his 15-yard shot hit onrushing goalie James Pantemis in the face. The match was stopped as a Timbers trainer tried to stop Pantemis' nose from bleeding, and he was checked for a concussion before play resumed.

Sullivan made it 2-0 in the 58th minute, tapping a rebound into the open side of the net after Pantemis was forced to make a diving save on a 30-yard blast from Jeremy Rafanello.

Carranza scored his second goal in the 67th minute after the Union caught Portland off guard with a quick free kick from midfield. Mikael Uhre dribbled to the end line on the right wing and sent a cross to an unmarked Carranza for a tap-in from 5 yards out.

Rodriguez got the Timbers on the board in the 80th minute, taking a cross from Santiago Moreno and putting a header from the top of the 6-yard box inside the left post.

The Timbers had numerous chances to score in the first half but failed to convert, as Semmle made four saves, including a pair of diving stops on attempts by Evander.

Rodriguez hit the left post with a shot in the 22nd minute and Eryk Williamson steered a corner kick just wide of the right post in the closing seconds of first-half stoppage time.

--Field Level Media