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Union look to build off 1-1 tie with Portland in opener

After the retooled Union, playing in a driving rain, took the lead over host Portland on a Jack McInerney goal in the 64th minute on Saturday night, they looked well on their way to earning their second win ever in a Major League Soccer season opener.

Union defender Austin Berry, right, heads the ball away from Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, March 8, 2014. The teams tied 1-1. (Don Ryan/AP)
Union defender Austin Berry, right, heads the ball away from Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, March 8, 2014. The teams tied 1-1. (Don Ryan/AP)Read more
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After the retooled Union, playing in a driving rain, took the lead over host Portland on a Jack McInerney goal in the 64th minute on Saturday night, they looked well on their way to earning their second win ever in a Major League Soccer season opener.

But late in stoppage time, Gaston Fernandez scored on a header off a corner kick past Zac MacMath to give the Timbers a 1-1 tie - and just like that, three points became one.

"To give one up in injury time is a tough way to lose a couple of points, but Portland's a really good team, so you've got to think there's a lot to build on from that game," said Union coach John Hackworth.

The Union certainly looked like a different team, pressuring the Timbers from the start. The creativity of the Union's new-look midfield with Maurice Edu and Cristian Maidana created many chances for McInerney as the target striker.

The Union's home opener is at 4 p.m. on Saturday at PPL Park in Chester against the New England Revolution. The Revs are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo in their season opener.