Atlanta United 2, Portland Timbers 0
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Not just for talk but reality hit the Portland Timbers after facing in what looked an inspired and determined squad that earned its respect from many in Major League Soccer circles after their amazing campaign.
With a 2-0 win and total dominance offensively and defensively in the course of the match with an all-around pressure from start to finish, for their departing manager Gerardo Tata Martino, this feat will be one unforgettable for the Andean.
After his Five Stripes displaying in this 2018 a remarkable run and coming to this match as all around favorites, in the end these did not disappointed their followers at home in a sold out and record setting attendance in Mercedes Benz Stadium.
For the Portland Timbers incredible run in this 2018 postseason leaving the likes of FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City on the edge to seize a trip to their second league finals.
Even since the start of the Postseason and campaign struggling at times with injuries and lack of consistency at times, I tip my hat for the hard work and determination the Rose City squad put and steeping up its teamwork and unity.
With the start of the playoffs for Giovanni Savarese and company labeled as underdogs until today’s grand finale, which was not a deterrent of their amazing run and one of a kind game that left these heavily favorite squads out of contention.
Going back to today’s match, since the get go the Five Stripes game plan was under immediate and effective way to neutralize the Portland top playmakers and exercising pressure on its backfield that in the end paid off.
Still for the Portland Timbers, playing a very complete squad in the likes of Atlanta United and its manager Tata Martino putting an very defensive shield with one of his favorite of formations in a 5-3-2 considered lethal to its opponents.
In spite of Portland in search of the perfect play in the early minutes of the match, for Atlanta Untied and former Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe sending a warning shoot that later opened the doors to their first goal play.
As I mentioned the pressure put on the local Atlanta United side, here was the result with Jeremy Ebobisse in the 39-minute and a sliding Michael Parkhurst dispose the ball from the Timbers forward and landing on the Venezuelan feet.
In the second half Franco Escobar, wrap this match for the Five Stripes with their second goal and go ahead in the 54’ minute, assisted by Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez.
With a nice move over Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell and getting Jeff Attinella out of his zone, the league MVP scored the first goal with a lot of calm and composure to put Atlanta ahead in the first half and going into halftime with the lead.
As many thought the second half was to bring the best from both sides, especially the Portland Timbers after these in the playoffs this half became their favorite and started their rallies, in the end the dominance of the locals was very visible.
As the Portland Timbers with Jeremy Ebobisse near header and shoot by Sebastian Blanco were the only opportunities, the Portland squad had and these two meet by an opportune by Brad Guzan who stopped these would be scores.
This time no magic for the Portland Timbers but not everything is lost, under Giovanni Savarese this squad has a formidable future ahead for his squad that their first year manager will bring many satisfactions to this club.
Congratulations of Atlanta United flamboyant 2018 league champions after their second year in Major League Soccer but in the case of the Portland Timbers this is not the end but the beginning of many days like his in their future.
Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Craig Mitchelldyer Photography 2018
Photos Credit and Property of © 2018 Major League Soccer
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