Portland Timbers 0, FC Dallas 0
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
For the Portland Timbers every match and point considered important if not vital. With the Western Conference leaders in town FC Dallas, the outlook of an easy win was beyond their belief.
However, the task was not impossible after early in the campaign, the Rose City Boys almost pulled a win in Frisco, Texas. Still for Oscar Pareja and his Hoops, the need to add a point was among one of his aims.
Contrary to the Timbers manager, Gio Savarese three points would be ideal. As the league in its final stages, the need to steep for every team above the red line is necessary. Ask that to a rushed Timbers squad looking to seal their invitation to the grand fete of the postseason.
Despite the Seattle Sounders winning today, still the lone point earns by Portland gives them a point lead. So far, the Timbers with the draw are in fourth place with 48 points.
For the Rose City, squad with two backs to back games against their nemesis Real Salt Lake. The Portland stance for sure looks a bit challenging to seal a spot in the playoffs.
This series will put Gio Savarese and company in a big test if not a challenge on the road at always-difficult Rio Tinto Stadium. A place in the past seen as their house of horrors and the way these Timbers the way these been struggling on the road lately.
In today’s match after a dull and lack of build up or opportunities by both squads. The half ended up tied at zero goals, despite a late play in the 42 minute where the Timbers had the clearest of chances to put the game winner.
In the end, the play became just a mirage in the end.
For many this match became a defensive one ever since the beginning until its ending. In the end, these two titans had a share of spoils and a point for each one. In the case of FC Dallas this point, they are the first squad of the Western Conference to clinch a spot for the postseason.
Still this match its highlight was not by its offensive display.
With both Portland Timbers, just managing nine shoots at goal and twelve by FC Dallas. Of those nine, the Timbers just managed to get two shoots versus one from FC Dallas.
One thing for sure, the Timbers offensive game was affected by one of its most important players suspension in Sebastian Blanco. Another setback for the Portland squad will not be having Liam Ridgewell due to a red card on injury time and missed in next week match considered crucial for these battling Timbers postseason hopes.
In spite of Gio making a move for Lucas Melano for Samuel Armenteros, the Argentinian little could do to turn his squad offensive game around. In addition, of a near play in the 81’ minute but Dallas keeper Jesse Gonzalez came with the save.
Now the attention of Portland is agasint their archrivals Real Salt Lake and a positive result in Utah for sure will uplift this squad confidence. Coming home against them, for sure to back-to-back wins will clinch for Portland a spot in the postseason.
In the end, the Portland Timbers defensive game saw uplift and played a marvelous game. by denying FC Dallas foursome no liberties and for Jeff Attinella again coming big under the arches. Portland is in need of standing up their offensive game with more dynamism.
however the need to wait for results on injuries on Alvas Powell and Jeff Attinella will be vital for the Portland Timbers and manager Gio Savarese, both players considered vital and important.
Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Diego Diaz 2018
Photos Credit and Property of © 2018 Major League Soccer
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