As the Timbers Boss
stated, this was one of those games, that at the end seeing how his squad
prevailed, his overall satisfaction was of netting a valuable point on the
road. Overall the PTFC coming with far better record than the Chicago Fire, situated
in the cellar of the Eastern Conference.
The PTFC had the
prospects of putting on a picture perfect performance as well try to gain their
first three points, playing as a visitor. Unfortunate for them luck was not in
their side as well seeing key absences in its initial eleven that at the end
were felt heavily.
Especially in its
midfield and top rated Darlington Nagbe concentrated with the USMNT and for
defender Jermaine Taylor with the Jamaican National squad, both of these chaps presence
felt very dearly, despite the latter one first year with the PTFC.
Still with a rival of
the likes of the Fire playing a modest campaign, the PTFC never imagined how
their hosts were going to outplayed them in ninety minutes. As they state that, there is no such thing
than an easy foe, the Timbers found out the hard way.
With a first half,
the visiting Timbers really had the game under their control, in the 18th
minute of play when the Fire defender could not clear the ball, it is when
Diego Valeri took advantage of their situation with a nice sidekick, and the Timbers
went up on the scoreboard.
No later than two
minute’s a defensive mishap for the PTFC opened the gates for the Fire goal via
David Accam and the game was one goal even. Exposing the Timbers backfield
horribly on what many see a play in its entirety stopped.
Besides the play that
netted the hosts the tying goal, being impossible for Jake Gleeson to prevent
it, at the end all afternoon he had another great match to applaud him for his
one of a kind performance. With his always spectacular saves and top notch defensive
skills getting more acute in every match played, but miracles he cannot perform.
Another point of
observation in my personal opinion that some players are a bit layback and not generating
the enthusiasms of their game as last campaign, let us forget the last matches,
but in the middle of the season! When despite being behind or even in the scoreboard,
they fought their way not only at home but as visitors too, this squad is not
showing that enthusiasm.
This is a team effort
and not seen lately with the PTFC initial eleven in the field, a squad that so
far has not shown any ambitious drive if they want to contend once again and play above the red
zone. One thing for sure the PTFC initial eleven needs to awaken once again and
treat us to that excitement of last campaign.
For Manager Caleb Porter
doing the best he can to keep his squad leveled, he cannot do it alone as well
this is a team effort where not only they have to rely on Diego Valeri, Diego
Chara and Jake Gleeson. Once again, are we going to see the specter of the
defensive backfield blues, with a lack of attention and effortless playing?
Remember, last campaign
the Timbers defense was one of the tops in all MLS with several matches with a
clean sheet, something in this edition of MLS they have not seen one of those
matches, very well its dynamic duo of Borchers and Ridgewell not getting their rhythm.
Very well not leading
Chris Klute, Zarek Valentin and Jermaine Taylor in generating a type of wall to
their foes as well not allowed opposing squads any liberties in their
territory. As in the Fire match, the PTFC was outshoot on a 17-9, considered
one of the worst squads offensively in MLS.
So far, the PTFC is
situated four points behind sixth place the San Jose Quakes, who they play this
upcoming Wednesday at Providence Park in what promises to be a much-disputed match
as their last meeting where it got a bit feisty at the end.
A win can give the PTFC
a breather before the league break on the eve of Copa America Centennial, the
rest and relaxation for some players as well Manager Porter will be to reevaluate
his squad weak points and assess it in what ways their future performances can
get better.
Being one of them his
squad consistency to put in play in all the matches ninety minutes of play, evaluating
his players’ mores seriously in their game and productivity and start making
the necessary changes if needed. Discipline, seriousness and brethren amongst players
and coaches alike this can become a recipe for success once again.
The PTFC needs to
take advantage of many situations and opportunities their foes give them and
not let them go, if one or two stellar players are not around the remaining ones,
they should step up and put more efforts in play if they would like one day to
net the starting job.
Caleb Porter is a great Manager but not too
considered him a Saint or miracle maker, or turn things around overnight if his
players do not contribute in the field and play with a dynamic or team effort. At the end if this squad continues playing as
like in the Chicago match, we can have one of those campaigns without the prospects
of at least a postseason.
Ambition and determination are the keys of
making a winner and this squad has all the elements to do it, soon this squad regroups
and start getting that winning feeling , the PTFC can do it and with style!
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Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
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Portland Timbers Football Club and Mike Di Novo USA TODAY 2016
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