With the league
renewing its operations after the break, the Portland Timbers was one of those
entities looking forward to return to action and showing their one of a kind
hunger. For the Mighty PTFC coming to play
at always-tough Rio Tinto Stadium and seeing how they netted just one point on
an almost win is seen as a bit unfair.
Still for the PTFC
Boss seeing how his squad lead vanished in the 70th with a very
doubtful call by the referee over a play by Timbers defender Jermaine Taylor
over Yuve Morsisyan, these latter one was the one to charge the PK and even the
scores.
For the PTFC Boss
Caleb Porter seeing once again how his squad has to endure all ninety minutes
of play against a very difficult foe in the field and at times it seems the
Portland squad is playing against two opponents.
As always, the
Timbers whenever they play a series of controversial and not accurate calls
have become a game changer for them as in the case of yesterday’s game.
The penal called against
the Timbers inside the right corner, was one very doubtful as Jermaine Taylor
went after the ball and Morsisyan ended up tripping with his feet, still the
play turned up fatal for the PTFC putting the game at 2 each. Then the Mattocks
play in the 84th minute, called off due to an offside, still in repetition
this play considered in years to come as a steal.
The midfield of the
PTFC played wonderful and dominant with a 7 grade, as well the frontal attack
which this time Lucas Melano finally after a 16 game drought, he finally took advantage
of a loose ball after this one crashed in the posts and netted it into RSL goal
by beating a stingy Rimando.
Another plus was in the
winger section seeing how the starters did their job and seeking the best way to
deliver when needed, as Melano really has to step up and display his abilities as
many expect of him as well Aspirilla to start delivering. As one thing, we can
see a very tight race for the starting initial eleven if Porter puts Darren Mattocks
and Jack Barmby as starters in the next game.
Despite the Copa
America break, we can state that the PTFC played an excellent game, still for Caleb
Porter- he has to do some adjustments and minor corrections in his strategies.
Especially in one of its
most vulnerable areas as it is the defensive backfield, here we can see another
struggle, although in this match Taylor played and excellent game, still some
of his plays really put in risk the Timbers posts. I did miss seeing Okugo and
Peay in the right, as starters would they could offered another excellent performance
in league play?
That will be a question
to be answered if they get the nod once again but not only in Cup but also in the
regular campaign, maybe we can see a new fab four in the Timbers backfield
alongside the Great Jake Gleeson flying over the air and making all sorts of spectacular
plays.
The next match is at
home of the Mighty PTFC and against a modest Houston squad having a few problems
of their own, as many can see an easy win but I always state that there is no such
thing than an easy foe at the end.
Yes, at the end, the
Portland Timbers can continue with their positive run and a win can really
uplift this squad above the red line, were they are below and trailing San Jose
Quakes by just one point, there’s no stopping the Rose City Boys for now!
Post Contents and Property of Fern
Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit, Courtesy and Property
of Portland Timbers FC and Rick Egan The Salt Lake Tribune 2016
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Copyright Major League Soccer. com 2016
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