And just like that, the Portland Timbers are dancing
David Da Costa's goal in the 89th minute sent Providence Park into jubilation.
PORTLAND — After scoring the first goal of his MLS career, after giving the Portland Timbers their first lead at home since Sept. 18 and after being mobbed by a group of teammates — all larger than his 5-foot-6 frame — David Da Costa turned to the crowd.
The Timbers’ supporters were lively for every minute of a game that appeared to be headed for what would have been a satisfactory draw considering:
Portland lost its opener to Vancouver 4-1 just six days earlier.
The Timbers came into Saturday with an absentee list that included the likes of Jonathan Rodriguez, Santiago Moreno, Dario Zuparic, Juan Mosquera, Miguel Araujo, Kamal Miller and keeper Maxime Crepeau.
But Da Costa didn’t want a draw. He wanted a win. And after his free kick from the left side in the 89th minute curled past Austin FC keeper Brad Stuver for the lone goal in Portland’s 1-0 win, and after he emerged from an avalanche of his own teammates, Da Costa further introduced himself to the Portland supporters.
He danced. He smiled. He thrust his hands in the air to further send the fans into jubilation as his manager, Phil Neville, pumped his fists from the sidelines.
There were no excuses to be made for this one. No red cards. No rain. No, “We’ll get them next time.” It was triumph for the first time in far too long for a club desperate to show that last year is behind them.
“I feel liberated about the goal and being able to help my teammates in that way,” Da Costa said. “I’m so happy to get my first and hopefully it’s one of many.”