I've said it before and I'll say it again: Bravo is so well trained. How many times has he turned things back at the goal line just by automatically backing up his keeper and watching his post? It's amazing. It seems like once a game he does that. Now, Parker should have buried that. No question. But I think he was just stunned that anyone would even be there. He just thought he had an open goal. But nope. There's Bravo again.
Great result. A point on the road against a good side is good. Defense held up. Bravo was his usual self - solid defender. Glad to see McGraw put up a good shift on his return to the Starting XI
Guess we take the point and muddle on through. We got the clean sheet but not because we played brilliantly. Just thank the woodwork and we'll see what happens next week.
For once the offense is what let the Timbers down tonight. Defense was its usual shaky self, but not nearly as bad as we've seen in earlier games. This was definitely a winnable game, but a point is still a decent result and doesn't feel like too much of a letdown really.
I get bored when there is no plan, the players don't care about the game and don't have any chances. There were tons of chances and even if they aren't connecting that well I feel like they GAF. And there is a plan, but what exactly it is and how / if it is being implemented and whether it is the right plan is the interesting / infuriating part... At the end of the day it is far from boring for me, which is why I bother watching in the first place.
So many corners, so many blown chances. Last season, we were begging for opps and right now we can't even convert the multiple we now get. Just feels ike one step forward and two backward.
He's not getting a ton of great service because the Timbers aren't doing really well at their first touch in dangerous areas. And they're giving the ball away pretty cheaply a lot.
Honest question, not intended to be argumentative, because I've seen a lot of people say similar things: why do you think that? Because I look at Evander and I see a guy who is working his ass off most of the time, even when the Timbers are struggling, and I honestly don't know what I'm missing when people say that. What do you mean by "too casual"? Can you give me an example?
I think it is just his body language. He just appears relaxed in the way he moves around. And has a very chill sort of disinterested looking facial expression. Doesn't react much. But agreed, he's a beast on the pitch.
Does he do that a lot though? Again, I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm just trying to understand. Misplaced passes aren't exactly uncommon for most attacking players, so at least for me I don't really hold that against Evander long-term. He absolutely made a mistake there for sure, but do you see that sort of mistake/thing as something he does often?
Dude, let go. Asked for one example. I provided one. Now, there is a follow up with counterpoints and more questions. No, he doesn’t do it all, the time, but does it often enough
Is JDM a good ansswer? Or maybe just about all of our defenders (saveperhaps Bravo and Zup). Cause "casual" to me indicates sleepwalking around the pitcha nd just handling the ball with no real intention.
yeah, and that's why I asked the question - I don't generally see Evander playing like that, and I'm not sure if I'm just not tracking him enough but he seems to be working pretty hard all game most games.
Well, for me, this was the first game I have seen him work hard on defense all season. Like Ross Smith said, he doesn't 'desire' to defend, but tonight he showed that he can defend quite well when he wants to. Typically he avoids all 50/50 balls (more like 90/10 for Evander) and he doesn't challenge for headers much and he doesn't get stuck in. There's definitely a lack of physicality about his game. He just seems to be one of those prima dona designated players that doesn't think he's required to defend in MLS. Maybe Neville will motivate him to do more.
"tonight he showed that he can defend quite well when he wants to"
And I guess I see that kinda often? Last week in particular, he made several CDM-quality plays and was covering a lot of ground when he didn't have the ball. Maybe this is just recency bias on my part, but it seems like he's been doing that for a good bit of this season?
Guess we'll see if sitting on the bench has helped McGraw. Otherwise, I'm expecting STL's attack to just run past JDM who will be ball watching no matter what. Tbh, I don't have much hope as we're on the road against a team that well...already beat us at our place last time out. If we get a draw, I'll be thrilled.
Btw, rumor is flying around the net that we're going after Richie Ledezma. WTH is all I can say. We need defenders not more midfielders! But our FO isn't exactly one of the best...
I would not be sad if Asprilla were sold, but I'd also be pretty surprised - why would a team buy him right now when they could get him for free when he's out of contract in the fall? Just seems kind of an odd move timing-wise for a club to make.
Nope, and that's been Asprilla's beef this whole time - he feels that the Timbers should have been talking about extending him beyond this year, and that that should have been done for a while now. He seems to feel disrespected that he hasn't been and that's been a source of irritation for him (understandably).
Ned pretty much confirmed the question was settled when it was brought up in a presser. He seemed confused that it was a mystery. But there’s a difference between having an option exercised (which is probably what happened) and an extension (which is probably what Asprilla wanted). Mutually terminating a contract would make sense in this scenario as well, though I’m sure the Timbers would like to get some value for him and not just get him off the books. Seems like a good compromise.
Realistically, on this roster and age 32, Dairon is a backup who might get a few starts if injuries / suspensions require and probably can do that for another 2-3 seasons. But will also would expect to see decline over next 2-3 years. He already isn’t quite the player we saw 2015-22. I love the guy and all the respect in the world for his contributions over the years - his goal against Dallas late in the season (can’t believe that was 10 seasons ago! What an amazing long tenure) is still one of my favorite MLS Timbers goals ever (And Asprilla himself has had some other honorable mentions).
I actually distrust the rumor because 1) Ledezma is actually injury-prone and I'm not sure we yet another injury-prone guy on the roster and 2) we really need help in defense with regard to depth. Plus, who knows what Ledezma's salary demands will be? He does have the cache of being int he Nats pool so those guys do tend to ask for more money.
As for Asprilla - not sure he's worth much on the market. Getting older and teams can do go younger. But if we can get anything for him, I'd do it. Just to clear roster and salary space.
Oh, for sure, I'd sell Asprilla tomorrow, for whatever a team would pay for him. My question is more why would a team actually buy him tomorrow, when they could wait until October and get him for free?
"He does have the cache of being int he Nats pool"
That cache may not be as deep as it was four hours ago hahaha
Does the club have a young player who we could perhaps borrow for a year or two. Or get a loan with option to purchase? And after today, I think Colombia is still ok as a football factory. Better than hunting around in Central Americaf or some bargain.
Ll
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Bravo is so well trained. How many times has he turned things back at the goal line just by automatically backing up his keeper and watching his post? It's amazing. It seems like once a game he does that. Now, Parker should have buried that. No question. But I think he was just stunned that anyone would even be there. He just thought he had an open goal. But nope. There's Bravo again.
Great result. A point on the road against a good side is good. Defense held up. Bravo was his usual self - solid defender. Glad to see McGraw put up a good shift on his return to the Starting XI
Yah, I am impressed. Timbers are usually fold like wet toilet paper in the heat but they were tough tonight.
Guess we take the point and muddle on through. We got the clean sheet but not because we played brilliantly. Just thank the woodwork and we'll see what happens next week.
we must thank the gods of the woodwork for that one
At Thorns game tracking “X” feeds. In comparison, this discussion sounds more like “Doomsday Footy.
For once the offense is what let the Timbers down tonight. Defense was its usual shaky self, but not nearly as bad as we've seen in earlier games. This was definitely a winnable game, but a point is still a decent result and doesn't feel like too much of a letdown really.
welcome to following the Timbers live!
Boring, basically...
I wasn't bored!
Yeah, not sure what he saw, that was an end to end, extremely entertaining game
I get bored when there is no plan, the players don't care about the game and don't have any chances. There were tons of chances and even if they aren't connecting that well I feel like they GAF. And there is a plan, but what exactly it is and how / if it is being implemented and whether it is the right plan is the interesting / infuriating part... At the end of the day it is far from boring for me, which is why I bother watching in the first place.
Tja...
It is objectively hilarious that on one level this game is a battle of dog food vs. ice cream
What about Budweiser vs Widmer Brothers?
Apple TV v Apple TV
This wins
Maybe vs. sour cream instead. Ice cream is too refreshing to invoke for this game.
Stale dog food v slightly moldy cheese
Mosquera's a disaster
Yah, we need depth at that position. He should never start.
Can I just say "damnit midfield"?
midfield? what midfield?
those two woodwork shots my goodness we are getting lucky here
Nice work by Bravo!
I've got wood!
ProRefs again rewarding a falling player
So many corners, so many blown chances. Last season, we were begging for opps and right now we can't even convert the multiple we now get. Just feels ike one step forward and two backward.
Wasted chances. Who wants this game or who wants to give it away?
Seems like the guys in red want the win and the guys in the green/white shirts are ok with a L.
Yet this game feels winnable. Schrödinger's Football
Dammit Moreno....
been quite a few "damnit Moreno" moments in this match...
Anyone else feel we're on borrowed time right now?
been feeling like that most of the season
Yup!
WTF McGraw
Always fun to hear one of our poached chants
i feel like there were at least two...
What's up with Jona in this game? Not seeing much of him.
He's not getting a ton of great service because the Timbers aren't doing really well at their first touch in dangerous areas. And they're giving the ball away pretty cheaply a lot.
in-game xG doesn't mean anything really, but both teams posting a sub-1.0 xG that half is probably not the best advertisement for MLS hahaha
I'm probably gonna jinx this but McGraw's looked good
He was back to his old self tonight!
Overall, pretty decent 1H. Cautiously optimistic about 2H and getting a positive result
We are looking promising in the attack but gosh are they able to get through our midfield
We’re getting chances but: first touches, ball control, ruthlessness needs to be better.
I'd also add "naive" in describing our play in the 18.
It's kinda shocking how bad their first touches are tonight.
Unbelievable how wasteful we've been this half.. And against a good team, too. Not finishing is going to cost us.
Gotta do better there, Antony. Gotta bury those.
Moon shot corners?
We're getting corners but doing nothing with those opportunities. And that last one was just ugly.
More ball movement like that please
For all his abilities, Evander is too casual for his own good.
Honest question, not intended to be argumentative, because I've seen a lot of people say similar things: why do you think that? Because I look at Evander and I see a guy who is working his ass off most of the time, even when the Timbers are struggling, and I honestly don't know what I'm missing when people say that. What do you mean by "too casual"? Can you give me an example?
I think it is just his body language. He just appears relaxed in the way he moves around. And has a very chill sort of disinterested looking facial expression. Doesn't react much. But agreed, he's a beast on the pitch.
Here is one example. The erroneous pass that led to St Louis goal that got called off for offside. Ross Smith said so himself
Does he do that a lot though? Again, I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm just trying to understand. Misplaced passes aren't exactly uncommon for most attacking players, so at least for me I don't really hold that against Evander long-term. He absolutely made a mistake there for sure, but do you see that sort of mistake/thing as something he does often?
Dude, let go. Asked for one example. I provided one. Now, there is a follow up with counterpoints and more questions. No, he doesn’t do it all, the time, but does it often enough
I'm just trying to have a discussion. Trying to understand your point of view.
And apparently misplaced passes aren't exactly uncommon for JDM either...sigh
Is JDM a good ansswer? Or maybe just about all of our defenders (saveperhaps Bravo and Zup). Cause "casual" to me indicates sleepwalking around the pitcha nd just handling the ball with no real intention.
yeah, and that's why I asked the question - I don't generally see Evander playing like that, and I'm not sure if I'm just not tracking him enough but he seems to be working pretty hard all game most games.
Well, for me, this was the first game I have seen him work hard on defense all season. Like Ross Smith said, he doesn't 'desire' to defend, but tonight he showed that he can defend quite well when he wants to. Typically he avoids all 50/50 balls (more like 90/10 for Evander) and he doesn't challenge for headers much and he doesn't get stuck in. There's definitely a lack of physicality about his game. He just seems to be one of those prima dona designated players that doesn't think he's required to defend in MLS. Maybe Neville will motivate him to do more.
"tonight he showed that he can defend quite well when he wants to"
And I guess I see that kinda often? Last week in particular, he made several CDM-quality plays and was covering a lot of ground when he didn't have the ball. Maybe this is just recency bias on my part, but it seems like he's been doing that for a good bit of this season?
Much better defense than last season.
Ross Smith was right. Wake up, Timbers.
My only prediction is that we won't have a clean sheet. #EasyMoney
Thank you
Whoops!
#IKNAS
Guess we'll see if sitting on the bench has helped McGraw. Otherwise, I'm expecting STL's attack to just run past JDM who will be ball watching no matter what. Tbh, I don't have much hope as we're on the road against a team that well...already beat us at our place last time out. If we get a draw, I'll be thrilled.
Btw, rumor is flying around the net that we're going after Richie Ledezma. WTH is all I can say. We need defenders not more midfielders! But our FO isn't exactly one of the best...
Are you thrilled now with the draw?
Need depth and flexibility in MF with Asprilla moving on. If we do bring him in also probably admitting the Moreno experiment is over.
What’s odd is that Moreno’s play has tanked since he got an out of cycle raise and contract extension.
I would not be sad if Asprilla were sold, but I'd also be pretty surprised - why would a team buy him right now when they could get him for free when he's out of contract in the fall? Just seems kind of an odd move timing-wise for a club to make.
I got the impression Asprilla's contract had already been extended. This would mean we get a buy-out and he gets more minutes.
Nope, and that's been Asprilla's beef this whole time - he feels that the Timbers should have been talking about extending him beyond this year, and that that should have been done for a while now. He seems to feel disrespected that he hasn't been and that's been a source of irritation for him (understandably).
Ned pretty much confirmed the question was settled when it was brought up in a presser. He seemed confused that it was a mystery. But there’s a difference between having an option exercised (which is probably what happened) and an extension (which is probably what Asprilla wanted). Mutually terminating a contract would make sense in this scenario as well, though I’m sure the Timbers would like to get some value for him and not just get him off the books. Seems like a good compromise.
Realistically, on this roster and age 32, Dairon is a backup who might get a few starts if injuries / suspensions require and probably can do that for another 2-3 seasons. But will also would expect to see decline over next 2-3 years. He already isn’t quite the player we saw 2015-22. I love the guy and all the respect in the world for his contributions over the years - his goal against Dallas late in the season (can’t believe that was 10 seasons ago! What an amazing long tenure) is still one of my favorite MLS Timbers goals ever (And Asprilla himself has had some other honorable mentions).
I actually distrust the rumor because 1) Ledezma is actually injury-prone and I'm not sure we yet another injury-prone guy on the roster and 2) we really need help in defense with regard to depth. Plus, who knows what Ledezma's salary demands will be? He does have the cache of being int he Nats pool so those guys do tend to ask for more money.
As for Asprilla - not sure he's worth much on the market. Getting older and teams can do go younger. But if we can get anything for him, I'd do it. Just to clear roster and salary space.
Oh, for sure, I'd sell Asprilla tomorrow, for whatever a team would pay for him. My question is more why would a team actually buy him tomorrow, when they could wait until October and get him for free?
"He does have the cache of being int he Nats pool"
That cache may not be as deep as it was four hours ago hahaha
Rumor is it is mutual agreement to terminate contract so he can go back to his old club in Colombia.
ah, interesting
Does the club have a young player who we could perhaps borrow for a year or two. Or get a loan with option to purchase? And after today, I think Colombia is still ok as a football factory. Better than hunting around in Central Americaf or some bargain.
Our back line is a bit sus 😱
I feel like that's just kinda table stakes for the 2024 Timbers
Mora starting on the bench?!
Came off at half and never reemerged from the locker room with an injury. Kind of surprised we even have him as a bench option.
He had a slight leg injury- good that he’s healthy enough to be in the 18