A win in these stages
of league play is a much welcome sight in the eyes of some of its squads, especially
when they are involved in a very close race for the postseason.
After last night, these
win for the PTFC over one of its most daunting of foes in the chaps of the Real
Salt Lake, seen as an all-around feat.
The prospects of the
Rose City chaps of continuing towards the promise land of the playoffs is
looking very encouraging as possible, after their one of a kind match displayed yesterday
by its initial eleven.
We can state for sure,
the way the campaign for the PTFC has not been at times a kind one, seeing a
series of occasional oddities that has brought some distraction to this group
in the way of injuries, consistency and some defiance’s from some of its players.
Along with a very negative
road record that the Timbers squad has not put a single win in its record.
Last night those were
minor details, put aside by an inspired and hardened Portland squad looking forward
to put this match in their winning column as well add some points in their
favor to keep the foes away from their shadows as far as possible.
With five matches
left in the overall campaign, some of the positives are the way this group of
individuals are playing at home with a positive record and not yielding any
points, considered vital in the final stretch of league competition.
That can play the
difference in the end!
Especially when the
PTFC is trying to keep as far possible and stretch their gap from the Vancouver
Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders and San Jose Quakes looking forward to displaced
them from the last spot above the red line.
Going back to last
night match between the Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake was indeed a gem of a
football shown from the locals, as the return of Darlington Nagbe, and Alvas
Powell from international play became the game changer.
As the Timbers Boss
once again sporting a 4-2-3-1 formation and with a healthy backfield in Liam
Ridgewell and Steven Taylor both former Premiership prodigies leading the way
in the Timbers middle and with both Alvas Powell and Vytas Andreskevicious in
the sides.
The Timbers defense
had an unforgettable night and quelling the RSL strike force of Martinez, Plata
and especially Movsisyan throughout the course of the game and not allowing the
visitors displayed their offensive game were they are the most comfortable.
Tonight the way the
Portland Timbers defense played, leaves us with no doubt about this squad facing
any upcoming challenges and if they are to participate in the postseason, their
worries can be far from over.
Accompanied by a
dynamic duo of Diego Chara and Captain Jack Jewsbury, these two are becoming an
asset and total guarantee in Caleb Porters game schemes and strategies- thanks
to their contributions in both defense and offense.
They assured a clean
sheet along the Timbers backfield to their keeper Jake Gleeson adding another shootout
and allowing him a tranquil but challenged afternoon under his posts.
Still the outlook
looks positive but very challenging, with International play at CCL playing midweek
match in Costa Rica against one of the leading squads in CONCACAF in Saprissa
and returning to Providence Park on Saturday to play the Philadelphia Union.
In these circumstances,
the PTFC Boss Caleb Porter better have a good plan to front a much competitive
Concachampions League and sort his MLS compromises, as a win over the Union
boys will be an all-around accomplishment.
Alongside of their last
two outings in the road against Houston at BBVA Stadium in Houston and at Colorado
at Dicks Sporting Goods Park and BC Place to close the campaign against
Vancouver- the PTFC can make the ultimate of miracles and deliver two important
wins on the road.
In the way the
Portland squad is playing- the arrival of Darlington Nagbe in the midfield was
a total blessing and getting pressure off Diego Valeri’s back, as his participation
with the USMNT and the Timbers seen as a total guarantee in the midfield and valuable
surplus in his game.
As every match we see
Darlington Nagbe- his confidence has grown a lot along his technique and
mastering the midfield with such class that in last night match he kept the RSL
foes at bay with his passing fancy and footwork, leaving the visiting defenders
in awe.
The surprise move in the
lineup was the incorporation of Darren Mattocks that showed a lot of persistence
and defiance at the time he had the ball alongside of his passing and speed
that became wondrous for the Timbers attack and bitter poison for Real
defenders.
With Faneando Adi
being the lone wolf in the front, his moves and experience spoke last night of
his importance in this initial eleven, playing more confidently until he scored
in the 12th minute after a constant persistence, beating the posts
defended by Nick Rimando.
Overall, the Portland
Timbers with a complete initial eleven if they keep its rhythm and displaying
their one of a kind game with a stingy defense and a dynamic frontal attack,
the element will be obvious of making it to the grand ball.
Indeed, if you state
that last night there was a party in Portland and at Providence Park
especially, you are very right. As the Portland Timbers players sporting
training jerseys with the 100 number, stating this club consecutive number of
sold out outings.
At the end the PTFC
has all the necessary elements to repeat as MLS Champions and with an improved
defense and mood and camaraderie in the club, this squad can make it all the way
to the league finals as well this campaign add another trophy to its shelves in
the Cascadia Cup.
Will the Portland
Timbers deliver, the answer at the end of this campaign.
Post Contents and Property of Fern
Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit, Courtesy and Property
of © Diego Diaz Photography.com 2016
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2016
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