Fern Mc Costigan: February 2019

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Giovanni Savarese and his Portland Timbers ready for 2019

The Portland Timbers are ready to front in what looks to be another contested 2019 season. For second year man Giovanni Savarese he is one man that cannot hide his enthusiasm for the new season that starts next weekend.

In spite of some players leaving the squad, in the end it was necessary to start from scratch. With new faces and still the search loom in the team directives for that elusive Designated Player spot to fill with a power forward.

The 2019 Portland Timbers are back in business and ready to deliver another amazing season. So far, the club has brought a few new players and reinforcing its area must vulnerable its defense. The arrival of new faces in Center Back Claude Dielna acquired via TAM from the New England Revolution. In addition, of goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic from Olimpia Ljubljana and recently the arrival of their desired right back, Jorge Moreira from Argentina’s side River Plate.

With Liam Ridgewell and the Portland side mutually parting ways and starter Alva’s Powell leaving to FC Cincinnati via trade. In the end, we can say that Portland has a completed the rebuilding in its defensive backfield. Still the arrival of Claude Dielna does not mean he will get the starting spot but he will step the competition for the starting job among Larry’s Mabiala, Julio Cascante and Bill Poni Tuiloma.

As in the preseason, the club bold moves were among its highlights the promotion of T2 sensations Renzo Zambrano and Marvin Loria. These two lads will be competing for starting minutes with players already settled in the midfield. With Diego Chara and David Guzman the starters-but the way manager Savarese has expressed the open competition for anyone seeking a starting spot.

By seeing unmovable players in Gio’s defensive formation in the midfield, with Diego Chara and David Guzman, I still foresee the likes of Renzo Zambrano and Cristhian Paredes competing for playing time and staging a challenge in the course of the campaign.

In goalkeeper, the starting nod given again to Jeff Attinella followed by Steve Clark and Kendall McIntosh. In the case of newcomer Aljaz Ivacic until his full recovery and he starts getting the rhythm of his new team we can state of his willingness to compete for a starting spot.

Offensively the midfield with Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco these two considered the Talismans of the squad and its utmost of playmakers these two challenged I doubt it! In the case of Andy Polo touted again as a starter but with heavy competition from Dairon Aspirilla.

In forward, the attention will focus on Lucas Melano and sure starter in Jeremy Ebobisse.

After the club went after three targeted players and coming on empty, the club search continues but for now, these two will do. Another option is Foster Langsdorf to make the big impact in the big team but considered by manager Giovanni Savarese, with a lot to prove.

In the end, the attack undoubtedly will depend on Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco as well if these two bring their creativity to the field Melano and Ebobisse for sure can have a grand year and maybe disputing the league Golden Boot.

To conclude the unity and positive energy felt in training camp exposes the intentions of this club to make a decorous run into this season, as they can reach the postseason with no problem and finish among the top four in their conference.

Photos Credit, Courtesy and Property of © Craig Mitchelldyer and Portland Timbers FC 2019

Photos Credit and Property of © Copyright Major League Soccer. com 2019

Monday, February 25, 2019

Recap of Week Three in the League of Ireland

Monday night football scheduled on week 3 being its highlight the Dublin Derby on it is first round matchup between the Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians staging in what seems to be one of the leagues most contested clash.

With squads of the likes of Dundalk the defending champions looking to earn their first win of the season after a couple of draws, and for Cork City looking for its first three points and win of the season.

After a two-day rest, all the squads of the League of Ireland were ready to go and entering in its week three with the start of the week, all squads were ready to deliver a one of a kind spectacle and here its recap.

In the Showgrounds the Bit O’ Red under new manager Liam Buckley, they are looking to get their first win of the season and with just a point after their opening day tie against Dundalk at Oriel Park.

However, the Rovers are still looking for their first win of the campaign; with the visitor’s scores from Sean McLoughlin 14’ and Geraoid Morrisey 49’ for the locals score Kyle Callan- McFadden 63’ minute.

Sligo Rovers 1, Cork City 2

Back in Inchicore colossus Richmond Park, the local Pats and visiting Finn Harps share the spoils in a goalless draw and seeing Harry Kenny side streak at two back-to-back matches wins over.

Saint Patrick’s Athletic 0, Finn Harps 0

Back in Oriel Park, the defending champions Dundalk finally tallied their first win of the season with a 2-1 win over promoted UCD that so far in the year these have not been able to record a win.

With the Students opening the scoreboard via Neil Farrugia in the 29’ minute, in the second half the reaction of the locals was evident with Patrick Hoban 53’ and seven minutes later Michael Duffy 60’.

Dundalk 2, UCD 0

At Brandywell Ryan McBride Stadium, we had a match between Derry City and Waterford both sides seeking three points of gold and what a match both sides staged a contest in the second half.

With the first goal of the match came via a penalty for Waterford but the locals had a lot of fight with them and tying the score in the 13^th minute by Ciaron Harkin but OG by Rory Feely and Georgyo Poynton became the doom for the Blues.

Derry City 3, Waterford 2

In Dalymont Park, the first of many KO’S between the local Bohemians and their cross-town foes the Shamrock Rovers opened the first of several of these clashes known as the Dublin Derby.

The match as always a disputed one and with an early red card given to Bohs Aaron Greene in the first half in the second came the might of the Gypsies with a penalty taken by Daniel Corcoran in the 67’.

Bohemians 1, Shamrock Rovers 0

The Blues win nears them to another Gibson Cup on the NIFL recap

The Linfield Blues are approaching another shield in their history with a one of kind win over Ballymena United putting a barrier of nine points clear over the Sky Blues in the race for the Gibson Cup.

Under manager Paddy McLaughlin the Reds of Cliftonville bounced back with a win as well this squad looking like an all-around contender for next edition of the NIFL, in addition of many important results.

In Windsor Park, the local Linfield Blues with a lone goal from Josh Robinson in the 54^th minute became the game winner and extended the lead of the Blues in the overall table as well keeping a perfect run.

Linfield 1, Ballymena United 0

At the Showgrounds in Coleraine the locals Bannsiders delivering a notable win over Glentoran that in the 49’ played with just ten men and the locals with goals from Eion Bradley 67 P and Ben Doherty 86’.

Coleraine 2, Glentoran 0

In Milltown the local Warrenpoint Town succumbed to the push of Paddy McLaughlin Reds that with this win makes it two in a row and thanks to a double from Ryan Curran 64’ and 72’.

Warrenpoint Town 0, Cliftonville 2

In Bangor the local Ards welcomed the new era of Warren Fenney with a win over struggling Newry City as Mark Kelly 27’, Damien McNulty 30’ and Mark Kelly 65’ for the City crew score Ger Pender 55’.

Ards 3, Newry City 1

Back in Brandywell the local Stute netted a valuable win and three golden points over the visiting Dungannon Swifts with goals from Jamie McDunne 15’ and Joe McCready 81’ were enough.

Institute 2, Dungannon Swifts 0

In Seaview, the Cures and Lurgan Blues share the spoils in Friday night with a one-goal piece tie, for the locals David Cushley 43’ and for the visitors Josh Daniels 78’.

Crusaders 1, Glenavon 1

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Real Salt Lake aiming for excellence

Real Salt Lake manager Mike Petke is looking forward to build a contender from scratch after last campaign seizing the last playoff spot and upsetting an all-around favorite in newcomer, LAFC.

After their feat in the Knockout Round moving on against SKC but succumbing to the push of the Midwest, side being too much for the Claret and Cobalt but leaving a huge satisfaction to their man in the helm.

As the club embarks for a new season filled with a number of challenges, the Claret and Cobalt directives are hard at work and re-sign some of its veterans in the case of Donny Toia, Albert Rusnak, Luke Mulholland and Tony Beltran.

The way this club is betting on its youth with five Home Grown (HG) players in defender Erik Holt, midfielder Luis Arriaga, goalkeeper David Ochoa, and forwards Tate Schmitt and Julian Vazquez. In addition of getting on loan midfield Everton Luis from SPAL and forward Sam Johnson from Valerenga.

With many of its notable veterans making a return as well, newcomers and rookies alike the team is aiming for another run to the postseason and this time make it all the way to the grand finale.

So far, in the preseason manager, Mike Petke is satisfied with the way many of the team rookies have been performing for the squad showing off a lot of hunger and ambition that for sure will earn them a spot in the team.

As the levels of competition within the squad is dead serious among rookies as well the veterans with the majority of them making a comeback for a turnaround of this squad to return to its old winning ways.

As defense wins games for manager Petke is business as usual and making it his top priority in what looks like one contested season as well the way teams in the Western Conference have armed themselves.

With the adage of the competition being good, for RSL man in the helm he and his Boys have to be better in the whole campaign and deliver a wondrous campaign and deliver another trip to the postseason.

Still the first goal is to see consistency in their game as well deliver in their performances in the course of the whole year as he expects his young players to step up and boost this club offense as well its defense.

To conclude the outlook for Real Salt Lake in the course of the campaign will have its struggles but the expectancy of an all-around fighter seen in the field and with results that will speak aloud of this club effort.

Prediction with a strong finish RSL can make it into another run into the playoffs.