A draw with the essence
of a win was the result obtained today at Dicks Sporting Goods Park back in
Commerce, Colorado for the PTFC. Many in attendance expected a barrage of
fireworks in the field by these titans that at the end both Timbers and Rapids got
their share of the points.
In what many in attendance
at Dicks Park, witnessed a very defensive and tactical game between these two,
very well today’s event had an especial meaning for the Colorado Rapids squad to
be unveiled in this Fourth of July.
What a way to make an
impact in your debut as the Colorado Rapids new member in its defensive core
with all American international and former Premiership Everton keeper Tim Howard.
As many Colorado supporters were sporting scarves honoring their new member as their
new “Secretary of Defense”, that is what they got from their new man under the
posts.
On the visiting side,
for the Portland Timbers Boss, by making his usual moves in his lineup when he
has some of his key players absent and by making his moves as a total Cheesmaster.
Once again, he saw his efforts paying off and despite his key players sidelined
in Diego Valeri and Liam Ridgewell, the Rose City squad prevailed and continued
with its perfect streak.
Still the match being
a very tight and stingy for both squads defensively speaking, their Bosses
managed to create an array of opportunities in trying their best to open the scoreboard
in their favor, but today was a null day for a scoring frenzy.
For the Portland
Timbers coming from a much challenged campaign where its man at the helm had to
sort many injuries from several of its stellar players, bad streaks and other oddities,
on the other side of the coin the Colorado Rapids. The Rocky Mountain Boys seeded
first in the Western Conference and with today’s draw, the PTFC is within 10
points of the top.
The Portland Timbers
knew of the difficult endeavor they were going against a renewed initial eleven
and playing like their old days, still this squad midfield and defense played
one serious match and did not allowed the local strikers any liberties. Being this
a very positive sign for the Timbers Manager Caleb Porter after his 4-2-3-1 formation
worked wonders especially in his backfield.
By seeing how his defensive
four stopped cold in its tracks the constant menace of the Colorado offensive
might as in today’s match the locals maintain a 63% percent more possession
versus the Timbers with a mere 30%. Very well, with three moves by Colorado’s
Boss Pablo Mastroeni, Caleb Porter sent Jack Barmby for Lucas Melano and Ned
Grabavoy for Darren Mattocks.
As the moves paid,
off for Porter with Grabavoy making his presence felt but with shortness in luck
of not finishing his plays on the positive, this midfielder is showing off his
mettle lately and displaying a good football.
Another positive was
the defensive effort done in every match by Jake Gleeson in what seem at times
a Keeper duel between him and Howard, Gleeson did the ultimate of feats in
saving the day for the Timbers with four magnificent saves. Very well, Diego
Chara had a dandy of a match as team captain despite the yellow card for unsporting
behavior and Lucas Melano finding his way as a winger.
For now today's
results puts the puts Portland in a 6-6-6 record and below the red line and the
Vancouver Whitecaps despite losing today in front of the Galaxy and a match
next week in New Jersey to face the always-difficult New York Red Bulls.
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