Timbers take a gut punch

An early lead was not enough to hold off the most inspired soccer team perhaps in the world at Providence Park Saturday as the Portland Timbers fell 2-1 to St. Louis FC.

Portland got a goal from defender Zac McGraw in the third minute and eventually outshot St. Louis 13-10 in a match that featured both teams having an equal 50 percent of possession.

But, St. Louis responded in first half extra time with a goal, and then got the winner in minute 75 for its third win of the season - in three games. St. Louis is the first expansion team to win its first three matches, and leads the Western Conference after three weeks.

Portland, 1-2, plays Saturday at Atlanta, which leads the Eastern Conference after two wins and a draw.

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