Austin FC Drops Rain-Soaked Meeting With Portland Timbers

Left back Jon Gallagher lunges for a tackle during Austin FC's 2-1 defeat to the Portland Timbers (courtesy of Austin FC)

Leave it to the boys from the Pacific Northwest to bring the rain … and the playoff intensity.

Heavy showers and lightning put a nearly two-hour hold on the scheduled festivities at Q2 Stadium Wednesday night, and when the skies cleared, Austin FC let a chance to clinch a playoff berth wash away. The Verde and Black lost, 2-1, to the Portland Timbers despite Sebastián Driussi’s league-leading 20th goal of the season.

Just as Austin FC locked up a season sweep of LAFC last week, the Timbers now can boast wins home and away over Austin FC this season thanks to goals by defenders Bill Tuiloma and Zac McGraw. Tuiloma’s header in the 16th minute and McGraw’s rebound finish in the 73rd separated the sides in an otherwise even contest, with Austin FC holding significant advantages in both shots (26 to 14) and possession (71% to 29%). Driussi’s skillfully-headed goal in the 79th minute gave the hosts late life, but wasn’t enough.

“Difficult night. The game is cruel,” Austin FC coach Josh Wolff said postgame. “We’re at home, I thought we played relatively well, you just have to do the business in front of goal.”

An Orlando City win over the Seattle Sounders earlier in the night meant that with a win, the Oaks would have guaranteed themselves a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Instead, the Timbers managed to vault themselves into the seventh and final playoff spot. If the season ended now, Austin would host Portland in the first round.

“They’re a team we certainly could face, and we’ll have to remember that two losses doesn’t feel good,” Wolff said.

One bright spot for Austin FC and the smattering of fans that stuck out the rain delay was the anticipated debut of designated player Emiliano Rigoni in the 61st minute. Rigoni flashed some of his ambidextrous playmaking ability but could not guide the Oaks to a result in the final half-hour.

Austin FC’s next opportunity to secure a postseason berth will come quickly with a Saturday night road trip to Music City to take on Nashville SC.

For more Austin FC news and analysis, visit The Austin Chronicle's Austin FC hub. Follow “The Verde Report” columnist Eric Goodman on Twitter: @goodman.