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The Timbers showed some composure in the face of a familiar deficit on Saturday to earn their first MLS point and a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution.

While many fans were likely moaning, "Here we go again" after a failure to clear resulted in a relatively early (22nd minute) goal, the Timbers held firm, equalizing in the 38th minute on a Capt. Jack Jewsbury score and holding on behind strong play from goalkeeper Jake Gleeson and marked improvement out of a number of players, particularly on defense.

Mosey past the jump for more thoughts, *video* highlights and some EXTRA TIME links to draw out some good feelings.

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In honor of the team's first point, allow me to get straight to it: The Timbers are getting better.

A lineup shuffle was effective, and it was encouraging to see Rodney Wallace, James Marcelin, Jeremy Hall and David Horst each have their best performances of the season in the Portland's final road match before its MLS home opener on April 14 against Chicago.

We also had our first look at Timbers' top draft pick Darlington Nagbe, who entered the match in the 66th minute to a roar from the patrons at the Bitter End. He was naturally a tad tentative as he caught up to the pace of the game, but his skillful touches gave a glimpse at the type of flash that earned him so much acclaim in college.

With 11 days until its next MLS match, Portland is making (baby) steps and gaining confidence, which is as much as you can ask for when considering the alternative. At the risk of over-hyping a draw, I think Saturday's result was just as important to the team as Tuesday's first win over Chivas. Both were confidence-builders, certainly, but the lack of panic shown after falling behind early on the road has to give the team (and its fans) comfort.

Of course, there's nothing more comfortable than being at home, and avoiding a negative result with a long layover between games means less hand-wringing and more anticipation for April 14.

A point's a point, but the point here is simple: An MLS win feels closer than it did a week ago.

EXTRA TIME! Links fit to be tied.
* Geoffrey C. Arnold of The O says the Timbers "could've easily thrown in the towel" after yielding an early goal.
* Ryan Gates of Stumptown Footy calls the draw "a step in the right direction" and has high marks for Eric Brunner and David Horst(ache).
* Dropping Timber says Portland showed resiliency and was "solid" on defense.
* The Timbers' official site runs down the many firsts of the match and wraps up some post-game notes and quotes.
* Kelly McClain of Timbers Insider offers his match report.
* John Connolly of the Boston Herald says the Revolution were "caught shiverin'" and ended up disappointed.
* Frank Del'Appa of the Boston Globe says the Revolution squandered a chance at three points.