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Major League Soccer

Mar 4, 2013 at 12.30am UK

Portland Portland Timbers
3-3
NY Red Bulls New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls, Portland Timbers share six-goal thriller

By Liam Power, Reporter | 04 March 2013

Red Bulls, Timbers share six-goal thriller

The Portland Timbers come from 3-1 down to split a six-goal thriller with the New York Red Bulls on the opening weekend of action in Major League Soccer.

The Portland Timbers came from 3-1 down to share a six-goal thriller with the New York Red Bulls today, thanks largely to a spirited second-half fightback.

The Red Bulls were in complete control early on and took the lead after eight minutes when Fabian Espindola seized on a mix-up between Mikael Silvestre and Donovan Ricketts.

Diego Valeri responded quickly for Portland with an instinctive volley after controlling Kalif Alhassan's pass with two touches in the air.

Espindola unlocked a shaky Portland backline again on 24 minutes to curl in his second and restore New York's advantage.

The Red Bulls went further ahead before the interval when Heath Pearce found Jamison Olave unmarked to turn home at the far post.

Portland looked a different team in the second half and were soon back in the match through Darlington Nagbe.

A rousing comeback was completed six minutes from time when Olave turned into his own net from close range.

There was still time for Ryan Johnson to force a strong save from Luis Robles as New York held on in stoppage time to claim a point.