For Major League Soccer the day has come of its grand finale. With two squads looking forward to net, the ultimate of glories come this Saturday December 8. From the Western Conference come the Portland Timbers going against all odds and displaying a one of a kind football where it counts the most. After a strong close in the regular season, Portland netted an important spot in the playoffs.
After putting in display, their hard work and discipline put on by manager Giovanni Savarese. This squad has played against their chances and labeled as a total underdog. As the Portland squad had to play since the first round against favorite FC Dallas on the road. The Portland Timbers suddenly started showing off their mettle and might playing as an away team.
With an all-around character and total commitment to excellence, these Timbers are one serious foe at home and now on the road. Proof is that their hard work paid off with their second final and leaving on the way the likes of FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City.
However, these are to face off a new foe in the likes of Atlanta United. For La Albiceleste of America as the moniker given to them due to high numbers of Argentinians in its squad. Among one of its high ranked members is manager Gerardo Tata Martino in his last campaign with the Southern squad.
In his two years in charge, the man has really made a one of a kind contender of the five stripes. Very well his experience in several international theaters. That is one referral of this man in how his squads play one tough football.
With a 5-3-2 formation, he puts on the field, which translates to pure poison to the opposing defenses. With Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron, between these two score a combined 47 goals. As Miguel Almiron game has awaken interest in several of England’s squads in its Premiership.
In the end, the label of underdogs goes for the Portland Timbers versus the all-around favorites Atlanta United. Here I will put a tale of the tape or compare both sides and who will come with all around advantage.
Goalkpeers
Brad Guzan- Atlanta United vs Jeff Attinella- Portland Timbers
For Jeff Attinella in the playoff match against Seattle his error almost cost his side elimination. in the end the man healthy and with his game on can sure put on as show under the Portland arches with a ferrous defense. For Atlanta United with an experienced Brad Guzan, his experience can play the difference. This matchup can come a little even in the end.
Advantage: Even
Defense
Franco Escobar, Jeff Larentowicz, Michael Parkhurst, Leonardo Gonzalez Pirez, Greg Garza- Atlanta
Zarek Valentin, Bill Tuiloma, Liam Ridgewell, Jorge Villafaña- Portland
The arrival of Jorge Villafaña to Portland and immediately claiming a starting spot, in the end his arrival became providential in the Rose City backfield. Alongside his 2015 mate in that final liam Ridgewell these tow have an understating in the backfield. However, the Atlanta defense considered tops in the league and with Leo Gonzalez Pirez as one of its leaders.
Advantage: Atlanta do not count Portland defensive game out as it can stand its ground
Midfield
Darlington Nagbe, Eric Remedi, Julian Gressel- Atlanta
Diego Chara, David Guzman, Sebastian Blanco, Diego Valeri, Andy Polo- Portland
Defensively the Timbers have a weapon in Diego Chara and David Guzman, in the offensive attack with Sebastian Blanco and Diego Valeri these displaying their game the Timbers are in total control. However, Julian Gressel and Eric Remedi are one serious treat in the Southerners game attack. Did I mention the irony of Darlington Nagbe Portland reunion after his year departure from Rose City.
Advantage: Portland Timbers if its defensive midfield neutralizes Atlanta game momentum
Attack
Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez- Atlanta
Jeremy Ebobisse- Portland
Advantage: Atlanta United by a long shoot
Bench
Tito Villalba and Ezequiel Barco- Atlanta
Lucas Melano, Dairon Aspirilla- Portland
Both benches have depth and its playmakers can be opportune when it is required.
Advantage: slight advantage Atlanta
Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Craig Mitchelldyer Photography, John David Mercer USA TODAY 2018
Photos Credit and Property of © 2018 Major League Soccer
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