Timbers unbeaten in last 11 with tie at Atlanta

ATLANTA — The Portland Timbers played Atlanta United — Major League Soccer’s top team — to a 1-1 tie Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Timbers (6-3-5) extended their unbeaten run to nine, and 11 across all competitions that includes two U.S. Open Cup victories.

“I think that the most important thing is that people know that we are a team that is difficult to defeat,” Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese said. “That is very important for us.

“I think overall, everybody that plays against us knows that it is not going to be an easy game.”

Mabiala opened the scoring in the 32nd minute.

Samuel Armenteros was the first to get a touch with a left-footed stab on Diego Valeri’s free kick. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan blocked it out, but Mabiala headed home the rebound and Portland took the early lead.

“The goal is a funny situation because I think we had the first free kick where I was free, and I judged that they were defending way too high, in my opinion,” Mabiala said. “So, I just told myself that I was about to stop my run for a little bit behind of the defense so I could have more speed to attack the ball. That is what just happened, I was free on the rebound.”

Julian Gressel tied it in the 56th minute for Atlanta. A loose ball deflection off defender Larrys Mabiala bounced into Gressel’s path and he pounced on it with a right-footed volley.

Atlanta (10-3-4) stayed atop the MLS standings and extended its unbeaten streak to five games.

The Timbers came close to regaining the lead late in the second half when Diego Valeri played a well-placed through ball to release midfielder Andrés Flores down the right wing.

Taking notice of Guzan standing high off his line, Flores attempted to chip the goalkeeper from distance, narrowly missing the far corner with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

After creating several close chances in a short span, the Timbers nearly scored again in the 86th minute when Alvas Powell’s cross to the near post found forward Jeremy Ebobisse, whose final effort went just wide of the far post.

Portland goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made nine saves in the match, which ties a career high. As a starter for the Timbers, Attinella has a record of 12-4-5.

“We’ve been getting good results against some really good teams in this league. This is just another one. You can add it to the list,” Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella said. “It’s still early in the season though, and we have to look forward to the next match.”

TIMBERS 1, ATLANTA 1

Portland 1 0—1

Atlanta 0 1—1

First half—1, Portland, Mabiala, 2, 32nd minute.

Second half—2, Atlanta, Gressel, 2, 56th.

Goalies—Portland, Jeff Attinella, Jake Gleeson; Atlanta, Brad Guzan, Alec Kann.

Yellow Cards—Chara, Portland, 24th; Escobar, Atlanta, 32nd; Mabiala, Portland, 44th.

A—45,116 (42,500)

Lineups

Portland—Jeff Attinella; Julio Cascante, Larrys Mabiala, Alvas Powell, Zarek Valentin; Sebastian Blanco (Bill Tuiloma, 69th), Diego Chara, Lawrence Olum, Cristhian Paredes (Andres Flores, 60th), Diego Valeri; Samuel Armenteros (Jeremy Ebobisse, 82nd).

Atlanta—Brad Guzan; Mikey Ambrose (Sal Zizzo, 73rd), Franco Escobar, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Jeff Larentowicz, Michael Parkhurst; Miguel Almiron, Julian Gressel (Kevin Kratz, 86th); Ezequiel Barco, Josef Martinez, Darlington Nagbe (Hector Villalba, 57th).