Atlanta United 1: Portland Timbers 1
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Coming to Mercedes Benz Field in Atlanta and play these, hardened United Boys in this campaign seen like an all-around challenge. However, in the mind of Gio Savarese it was business as usual, although his side perfect run was in peril after they were to play against one of the hottest squads in MLS.
After that World Cup break and busy activity in Cup play, Major League Soccer was back in action and among one of this weekend matches that was its highlight, the Portland Timbers faceoff against the Atlanta United Boys.
So far, the Portland Timbers after a shaky start, especially on the road all of a sudden we see a resurgent Rose City squad looking forward to bury their away blues. Still these new Portland Timbers do not get intimidated that easily and today playing with one of the most explosive initial elevens in this 2018, they prove everyone wrong.
For Atlanta United with a paramount offensive game that its manager Tata Martino has instituted and with its explosive Latin American flavored game, becoming pure dynamite to all squads in the league with a commanding first place run.
Still for the Portland Timbers Boss planning ahead of what his squad was to face in Ezequiel Barco, Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez, this threesome considered as the most lethal in this campaign for their power. Suddenly he shifted from his traditional 4-3-2-1 formation to a more control defensively and a dynamic midfield in a 3-5-2.
Bold and risky for this game, the approach taken by manager Savarese, the idea to exercise a total control in the midfield and display a more offensive game in contrast of what Atlanta was expecting in his formation that seen as his trademark by many in MLS.
As many predicted once again the defensive backfield for Portland delivered and consolidating as one tough to beat backfields in this 2018, ask that to a frustrated Atlanta United held to just a lone and lucky goal scored by and opportune United Julian Gressel.
After Larry’s Mabiala deflection when danger loomed the area, the moment and vision of scoring came for Gressel who push the ball for the equalizer in the 56’ minute and despite the opportunities from both squad to score, the match finished with a tie.
As today, scorers of this match, being both defenders, the Timbers Larry’s Mabiala opening the score in the 32’ after a Valeri kick in the center of the area, which Samuel Armenteros pushed and the Frenchman taking advantage of the rebound headed the ball inside.
Today’s match in many circles is seen like a win for the Portland Timbers after the foe these play and its arsenal as well becoming more confident playing on the road, these are honoring their moniker of mighty with today’s result and extending their perfect run to nine matches.
Once again, I praise the new Portland Timbers defensive game, with Alvas Powell performance and goalkeeper Jeff Attinella these latter one making a whooping eight saves, that despite the draw this result for the Atlanta United squad seen as a frustrating result.
Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of USA TODAY Sports 2018
Photos Credit and Property of © 2018 Major League Soccer
No comments:
Post a Comment