It wasn't an official MLS game, it wasn't on their home field and the first 83 minutes of the match were as downright miserable as the weather.

But winning has a way of making all that disappear, and that's exactly what happened on Tuesday night when the Portland Timbers notched their first win as an MLS club and gained some much-needed confidence with a 2-0 victory over Chivas USA in front of 5,061 rain-soaked fans at Merlo Field.

Cue all the clichés about "your first time," because they all ring true for the Timbers: It was the hardest to get, it was sloppy (and painful!) at times ... and it won't soon be forgotten. (Sigh)

More thoughts on the Timbers punching their V-card (for victory) after the jump, plus some EXTRA TIME links to help you re-live the awkwardly magical memories.

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It's the 83rd minute and I'm just about to Google "U.S. Open Cup overtime rules" when Chivas striker Justin Braun breaks through a (gasp!) Timbers' defensive lapse. My thoughts jump to the cold, soaked fans at Merlo Field, who've just sat through more than an hour of driving rain and sloppy soccer, about to be disappointed. Again.

Then, out of nowhere, Timbers keeper Jake Gleeson charges out of the box and slides to make the kind of save you wish you could rewind a live stream to watch again. Then, just as I'm realizing I can't rewind a live stream, Jack Jewsbury blasts a skidding kick from 35 yards out and gives the Timbers their first-ever MLS lead.

Like so many firsts, it was a roller-coaster of emotions — all packed into one glorious minute.

Two minutes later, Portland was ready to score again, but this time it was Eric Brunner gathering a Jewsbury corner kick and blasting it into the left corner for a two-goal lead that effectively sealed the deal for Portland.

The Timbers did what they needed to get their first win, and I suddenly felt like a cigarette and a nap.

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Portland needed this, and not simply because they wanted to advance in the U.S. Open Cup or please their fans in what was essentially a homecoming game. This win was all about confidence, and it came at just the right time as Portland prepares for another road match Saturday at New England. The taste of victory is no longer foreign, and playing a bit looser and with more swagger will only improve this club.

Yes, there are still issues: The back line is struggling, attackers are having trouble finishing and aggression ebbs and flows. But even a minimum level of confidence can be built upon, and though the process is tenuous, it's also required.

The positives are also there: Midfielder and top draft pick Darlington Nagbe dressed for Chivas and looks tantalizingly close to making his debut. The 20-year-old Gleeson, fittingly clad in baby blue from head to toe on Tuesday night, has proven himself both a serviceable keeper and budding fan favorite.

And after an exciting, emotional win, momentum is on the Timbers' side —Β and that's certainly a first.


EXTRA TIME! Winning links for winners.
* Dropping Timber has a comprehensive match breakdown, along with video and pictures.
* Ryan Gates of Stumptown Footy says the Timbers grabbed a "definite confidence boost."
* Gerald Barnhart of TheCup.us says the Timbers' victory was worth the "agonizingly long" wait.
* The Timbers' official site has its gamer, along with a round-up of notes and post-match quotes.
* Paul Danzer of The Columbian says the majority of the game was "an exercise in frustration" for the Timbers.
* Geoffrey C. Arnold of The O offers his gamer and says the Timbers needed the win "badly."
* Stephen Alexander of The Trib says the home team "completely dominated" much of the match.
* Scott French of ESPN LA does the math, and it adds up to another loss for Chivas.
* The Gazette-Times is reporting the Timbers will travel to Corvallis to face Oregon State's men's team on April 9.