Top-seeded Timbers play to draw – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

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Top-seeded Timbers play to draw By The Associated Press Oct 30, 2017 12:00 AM A A HOUSTON — Jeff Attinella posted his 10th career shutout in his first playoff game to help the Portland Timbers to a 0-0 draw with the Houston Dynamo on Monday in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal. The second leg of the two-game aggregate series is Sunday in Portland. The fourth-seeded Dynamo had just one road win in the regular season. Attinella's two saves included a sliding 1-on-1 save against Alberth Elis in the 51st minute and a leaping stop of a header by Philippe Senderos in the 56th. Houston is unbeaten in its last eight matches, including a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City in Thursday's single-elimination knockout round. The Dynamo were awarded a penalty kick in the 30th minute after Larryss Mabiala's sliding tackle of Elis at the corner of the box, but the call was overturned after a replay review. Mabiala, a defender, as well as midfielders Darlington Nagbe and Diego Chara — who was taken off on a stretcher — did not return for Portland after injuries midway through the game. The top-seeded Timbers were already without Fanendo Adi, Sebastian Blanco and David Guzman. Adi was second on the team with 10 goals despite missing the final 10 regular-season games after he injured a hamstring during a 3-1 win over Los Angeles on Aug. 6. Houston forward Romell Quioto (12) and Portland defender Alvas Powell (2) try to use their heads to get the ball Monday in Houston. [YI-CHIN/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]