This is the most exciting team we’ve had in the past few years. Rodriguez has fit in well with the team and hit his stride right away. Evander is showing he’s the Ward-Prowse of MLS and Mora, Moreno, Antony, Mosquera, Ayala are all showing signs of improvement… and they’re still young. The back line still needs shoring up but there has been improvement there as well.
My only complaint is with the fans. The Timbers used to be a difficult ticket to score but looking at the stadium during the Colorado game… it was largely empty. Is that due to ticket prices or something else? I don’t get it… this team is exciting.
I guess hosting is by 2023 Supporters Shield standings which doesn't make a lot of sense, but better than the way the US Open Cup used to do it where teams could buy home games.
It's absurd. Why should a performance from last year determine seeding for a tournament this year? It's not done that way, for example, in the World Cup or Olympics. The home field advantage should be determined by total points, then goal differential.
Great job everyone! Coaching staff, players, and fans understood the assignment. We not only advanced but we topped the group! Guess we'll see what happens with Col-Leon. Based on seeing both teams, I think Leon advances. They certainly did play us a lot closer than the Rapids.
He has the most goals of any Timbers defender in the MLS era — 11. And some of them were critical in the biggest of games. And it wasn't just for a couple of seasons.
He was probably our best defender for a couple of years, so sort of agree. He's been a liability for the last couple. I'm glad we got such a big lead he could safely enter the game. Classy dude and I hope he stays in PDX.
I have to agree things are really starting to come together and give him credit. I'm still not crazy about the space our defense leaves at times, but the offense is extraordinarily deadly at the moment.
I'll certainly give him credit for implementing a much more positive playing style. The season isn't over yet so think it's fair to wait until then. Tha said, we're increasingly fun to watch and Neville does seem to understand that you can't compete if you can't score. Also seems to understand that draws at home and on the road every single match makes it near impossible to make playoffs.
If there are any scouts inside PP, I just want to tell you that Santi Moreno doesn't really score goals. In fact, he's not good to waste your money on a transfer fee. There's nothing really to see here. I suggest to you visit LAFC instead. With Giroud in there Boulanga will be of high interest to you as he's sure to start along with Mr Sexy.
We already had too many. The problem is that our centerbacks are good, just not for how Phil wants them to play. But he doesn't seem to realize that. They're all too slow and Zuparic is the only one who tries to organize the back line. They're also under contract so, even if Phil recognized that their speed is a liability, there's only so much we can do. It isn't fair to them TBH. If they sit deeper so their lack of pace doesn't expose us as much, we have more problems connecting through midfield. It remains to be seen whether our 8 situation is good enough to compensate. They haven't been consistent so far but we have yet to see Ayala, Evander, and Williamson together, I think.
I was like, "Does the keeper now have a giant hole in his abdomen?" Took until the 3rd replay for me to spot how it got through. Not great keeping there.
The Colorado killer! Terrible shot honestly, right at Steffen who should’ve kept that out. What an assist from Mora! And the switch from Ayala to start it all
I'm more concerned about his first touch and decision-making. He seems to be used to being able to outrun everyone and beating them to the ball. That doesn't work as often at higher levels.
Plenty of players at this level -you could also expand this criteria to the top 5 leagues - are one footed. I mean, Maradona had one of the sweetest right foot in the game ever. But if you're just talking about MLS-tier players - one reason would be the limitations ofthe salary cap. Can't go buy Maaradona-type one foot players (or any of that ilk) when your dollars only go so far Antony is indeed one footed but if he play like Maradona no one would care. His overall game is why he's in this league.
Still stunned that Mabs is retiring but hopefully it means space for another cb. We can them demote K Miller to backup/rotational. Otoh, if they go after a frist rate DP then all bets are off.
His contract is up this year and he hasn't been playing. His press conference was very sad. I wish him the best and hope he finds a role locally. He's a great guy to have around.
Lineup out and back line is mosquera Araujo K Miller Bravo. Hope Zup isn't too banged up. Ayala is back so that's good news. Rapids have been decent if you go by results ever since that 4-0 spanking we laid on them. This is a winnable match; winning means we advance. That should be enough motivation for the team.
Given the previous match-up, and how the Timbers have gelled since then, it seems like we have an excellent shot, but I haven’t been following Colorado since then.
This is the most exciting team we’ve had in the past few years. Rodriguez has fit in well with the team and hit his stride right away. Evander is showing he’s the Ward-Prowse of MLS and Mora, Moreno, Antony, Mosquera, Ayala are all showing signs of improvement… and they’re still young. The back line still needs shoring up but there has been improvement there as well.
My only complaint is with the fans. The Timbers used to be a difficult ticket to score but looking at the stadium during the Colorado game… it was largely empty. Is that due to ticket prices or something else? I don’t get it… this team is exciting.
Pretty fortunate, as far as shutouts go. This defense is clearly better, bit not convincing at all.
We can score. Evander had a quiet box score for him, but watching him is such a joy. Thrilled to see Ayala get his first.
Looks like our next Leagues Cup match will be at home against the loser of the FC Juárez/St. Louis City match.
It's been said that we host if the second place team is Juarez but if it is St. Louis - we're on the road?
I hadn't heard that, and not sure why a runner-up would host a group winner.
I guess hosting is by 2023 Supporters Shield standings which doesn't make a lot of sense, but better than the way the US Open Cup used to do it where teams could buy home games.
It's absurd. Why should a performance from last year determine seeding for a tournament this year? It's not done that way, for example, in the World Cup or Olympics. The home field advantage should be determined by total points, then goal differential.
And all that without Diego. A few years ago we couldn’t do anything without him.
Pretty soon we'll be saying the same about Ayala. Safe to say he's a worhy heir to D Chara's legacy.
Agreed. Have thought he has a ton of potential for awhile now. So glad he came back from injury so strong.
Great job everyone! Coaching staff, players, and fans understood the assignment. We not only advanced but we topped the group! Guess we'll see what happens with Col-Leon. Based on seeing both teams, I think Leon advances. They certainly did play us a lot closer than the Rapids.
Did anyone have us beating the Rapids 4-0 (again!) on the bingo card? I cerntaily did not.
And also that Rodríguez, Evander, and Mora would have zero goals between them.
And in the second consecutive match no less.
Haha. That line was not at all parallel to the 18. He was onside but that was funny
Did they just say Mabiala has played so well for the Timbers for so many years?
He has the most goals of any Timbers defender in the MLS era — 11. And some of them were critical in the biggest of games. And it wasn't just for a couple of seasons.
He was probably our best defender for a couple of years, so sort of agree. He's been a liability for the last couple. I'm glad we got such a big lead he could safely enter the game. Classy dude and I hope he stays in PDX.
I want to see a 100 meter dash between Moreno, Toye, and Antony. I think Antony probably wins, but wow we have some speed on this team.
Yeah, but have the race with balls. Moreno wins!
that is a great point!
Idk y'all if Santi plays like this for a few more months they're gonna start getting pretty big offers pretty quickly.
As long as we don't send him to Chelsea. I don't want him to become part of their "loan army".
4 goals, 4 great assists.
Thanks Max!
Is it possible that Phil Neville is actually a good coach? This team is actually fun again.
I have to agree things are really starting to come together and give him credit. I'm still not crazy about the space our defense leaves at times, but the offense is extraordinarily deadly at the moment.
I'll certainly give him credit for implementing a much more positive playing style. The season isn't over yet so think it's fair to wait until then. Tha said, we're increasingly fun to watch and Neville does seem to understand that you can't compete if you can't score. Also seems to understand that draws at home and on the road every single match makes it near impossible to make playoffs.
Well, THAT is the beautiful game!
Santi from Evander on a 90 yd run...
Glorious!
was a GREAT pass.
If there are any scouts inside PP, I just want to tell you that Santi Moreno doesn't really score goals. In fact, he's not good to waste your money on a transfer fee. There's nothing really to see here. I suggest to you visit LAFC instead. With Giroud in there Boulanga will be of high interest to you as he's sure to start along with Mr Sexy.
Yeah, it’s all he can do to put his boots on correctly. Move on……
Time to fire Neville. I his is not working! 😂
I knew I should have put a bet on Ayala and Toye scoring tonight.
Bravo, you are awesome!
Ayala, Ayala, Ayala!!!!
I really don't like the look of our defense, especially this half. Suddenly Colorado is finding loads of space.
Right? Thank god for Ayala sinking that corner. Hope they use Mabs' spot to get another defender, cb or fb.
They already got the cb.
Think we need another because of Mabs leaving.
We already had too many. The problem is that our centerbacks are good, just not for how Phil wants them to play. But he doesn't seem to realize that. They're all too slow and Zuparic is the only one who tries to organize the back line. They're also under contract so, even if Phil recognized that their speed is a liability, there's only so much we can do. It isn't fair to them TBH. If they sit deeper so their lack of pace doesn't expose us as much, we have more problems connecting through midfield. It remains to be seen whether our 8 situation is good enough to compensate. They haven't been consistent so far but we have yet to see Ayala, Evander, and Williamson together, I think.
How the heck is Colorado staying up the table with their midfield and defense giving away space like they are doing now?
Bravo bitching almost cost 'em
Did anyone catch what the temperature is down there?
Hot AF. Approximately.
Soft foul call IMO
Lucky goal. Not in the build up, esp. great pass by Mora. But Antony hit it right at Steffen. 9 out of 10 times that's saved.
I was like, "Does the keeper now have a giant hole in his abdomen?" Took until the 3rd replay for me to spot how it got through. Not great keeping there.
Not when you hit it at Steffen... he's brutal.
Ouch!
Ping pong goal! Play hasn't been great from both sides so far. But the goal gets us one stop closer to advancing.
The Colorado killer! Terrible shot honestly, right at Steffen who should’ve kept that out. What an assist from Mora! And the switch from Ayala to start it all
that switch ball from ayala could not have been better! on a dime and he kept it low and fast. colorado just didn't have time to react to it.
Not sure I agree. Thought it was a good 5-hole shot.
The most Pipe Mora shit I've ever seen (complimentary)
right? crazy good assist
Not a great start so far. Team looks tired
I imagine the heat is playing a role also
Colorado is also playing in the heat. They don’t look as dire
Colorado has been off for 2 weeks. They better not be tired.
Antony's ball skills disappointing at this level...one-footed
I'm more concerned about his first touch and decision-making. He seems to be used to being able to outrun everyone and beating them to the ball. That doesn't work as often at higher levels.
Plenty of players at this level -you could also expand this criteria to the top 5 leagues - are one footed. I mean, Maradona had one of the sweetest right foot in the game ever. But if you're just talking about MLS-tier players - one reason would be the limitations ofthe salary cap. Can't go buy Maaradona-type one foot players (or any of that ilk) when your dollars only go so far Antony is indeed one footed but if he play like Maradona no one would care. His overall game is why he's in this league.
He's also just 22 and fast af... this is now the level where fast af isn't the answer any more.
Colorado sends in the 5th most passes into the box of all MLS, yet sure let's bench our only aerial threat
Really dig the Clive kit. Hope to get one soon.
Any chance the color messes with Colorado tonight? Even if it just makes them hesitate for a split second?
Kamal Miller must have something on Neville
Still stunned that Mabs is retiring but hopefully it means space for another cb. We can them demote K Miller to backup/rotational. Otoh, if they go after a frist rate DP then all bets are off.
His contract is up this year and he hasn't been playing. His press conference was very sad. I wish him the best and hope he finds a role locally. He's a great guy to have around.
Yeah, that came out of nowhere for me. Wish him the best.
Araujo too 😕
Lineup out and back line is mosquera Araujo K Miller Bravo. Hope Zup isn't too banged up. Ayala is back so that's good news. Rapids have been decent if you go by results ever since that 4-0 spanking we laid on them. This is a winnable match; winning means we advance. That should be enough motivation for the team.
Given the previous match-up, and how the Timbers have gelled since then, it seems like we have an excellent shot, but I haven’t been following Colorado since then.
Thanks for making a comment. I never know what to expect from our side. Hoping for the best. No injuries, please!
He was largely invisible, which is what a ref should be.
Oh I agree with that. The best refs are the ones you don't notice.
They're about to stat us to death.
Let's hope this newfound CK potency will carry over to the remainder of the league season.
I've been watching the Timbers for 24 years now, and don't ever remember us having three straight goals that were off corner kicks.
I just noticed it wasn't actually three straight corner kick goals, but three goals out of four on corners is still pretty exceptional.
If he could use his feet better….