The Timbers are back home, and seek to start to find some semblance of home form. Will tonight be the start of a win streak — or a losing one? Come chat through it all!
WHO: Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City
WHAT: MLS Matchday 16
WHERE: Providence Park | Portland, OR
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. PT, streaming on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
sometimes when we are building out of our end, our midfield is very empty. No one moving through it or into it.
when pressing out of our 4-4-2 defensive shape, one of our central MCs will move wide to help trap the ball on the side. This leaves 1 player covering the whole middle as no one slides over.
Timbers look dangerous mainly when the defense is on the back foot. This is the case with most teams, the attack is well above average. Once the defense is set, there doesn’t seem to be a plan to get Evander the ball in space or isolated.
Goalkeepers need to make the avg save and unexpected saves. Araujo had a good game but screwed up at the end. Zuparic threw his body at the KC gift goal but no else blocked it. Mora is ruthless.
Those 8+ added time was very stressful. We really don't know how to kill off a match. But a win is a win. Again, the attack is fine. Midfield really needs to get on the same page with each other. Defense? Yeah, still a mess. Hopefully, someone asks Phil about the three cb back line he rolled out and why JDM is still starting.
There was a bunch of traffic so the linesman couldn't see when Rodriguez kicked the ball too well. The SKC tries to trap Mora but is a hair too late. I don't think it was an insane call for the line judge to get wrong, although obviously it was.
I wish we could get Max a clean sheet just because he deserves it and because the stats will show a horrible goals acored against average that he doesn't exactly earn. That number belongs to the back line, of course.
The color guy has said a couple times that Phil says he hasn't been happy with the players and that they're playing for their jobs- methinks Phil lacks insight.
I really really appreciate Mora's effort. When you barely get any service and have to keep bailinout a clueless back line, I'd start thinking of an exit plan. John, too.
As for Evander, very nice assist. If only we can string some passes together more often. Clear as day that not everyone on the team is on the same page playing together.
If MP and NG think the number of empty seats isn't that big of a deal, then wait until the end of the season. Not saying it is gonna happen but with the way this team plays, wouldn't surprise me if at some point we draw less than Vermont Green.
It’s hard to get excited about coming to a Timbers game when they play like they are sleepwalking. They should be playing a lot quicker and harder, they have the individual talent. I wonder about the team morale. Giving up my season ticket looks like a good move.
Not a terrible half, but definitely looks like two bad teams out there. Evander doesn’t look focused, he needs to lock in because we desperately need him to be the creative spark in the attack if we’re to score. Kamal Miller has been better at LB than I was expecting, I was concerned about him being exposed with Russell but he hasn’t had much to do.
My guess is Eric Miller is not actually 100% given the beating he took last week. With Bravo out, it's this Frankenstein lineup or Asprilla if you're playing 4 in the back. Not sure why not play 3 in the back then, but whatever... I'll take the points
First live match this season, so I have no context. Have the Timbers been this soft pressing all year? It’s like there IS no press until the final third, if that. KC passing around like fucking Barca…
We actually don't press at all, despite what Neville thinks. We actually don't have a press despite whatever pathetic attempt is made week in and week out. Of course, thiis non-press is an issue that goes back to the Gio era. Phil is just continuing his dubious legacy.
Considering he's rolling out JDM at fb right now and that the defense corps still plays the same way as they did last year - maybe he does think so. Neville just strikes me as similar to Gio in that we don't have a effing clue as to their tactical philosophy. Other than rolling out a lineup and saying we want to play "attacking soccer". Cause that's what they both said when they got hired. And the results show otherwise.
Just saw the lineup. More tactical genius stuff. You might have heard the Pochettino news. I remember several years ago some pundit or source saying on twitter that he was somewhat interested in mls and that some team should start a conversation with him. I'm sure he already has offers. But maybe we should give him a buzz. Just sorta test the waters. Hopefully the FO and owner wake up and cut our losses sooner rather than later.
As for JDM on the back line again, yeah guess genius coach hasn't learned much from prior matches.
Kinda want SKC to score first, both teams suck at holding leads so I feel like whoever scores first almost has a better chance of losing. Playing the odds here lol
How does everyone feel about that SKC is one of only two clubs that are sucking worse than we are? Is that a ray of hope, or are we in the “we can lose to anyone” phase now?
Good win but the way we defend Joey might have to start giving a slice to the keeper for only giving up 1 goal.
my brother has gone to calling 1 goal against a Timbers Shutout.
two tactical things:
sometimes when we are building out of our end, our midfield is very empty. No one moving through it or into it.
when pressing out of our 4-4-2 defensive shape, one of our central MCs will move wide to help trap the ball on the side. This leaves 1 player covering the whole middle as no one slides over.
Timbers look dangerous mainly when the defense is on the back foot. This is the case with most teams, the attack is well above average. Once the defense is set, there doesn’t seem to be a plan to get Evander the ball in space or isolated.
Goalkeepers need to make the avg save and unexpected saves. Araujo had a good game but screwed up at the end. Zuparic threw his body at the KC gift goal but no else blocked it. Mora is ruthless.
Those 8+ added time was very stressful. We really don't know how to kill off a match. But a win is a win. Again, the attack is fine. Midfield really needs to get on the same page with each other. Defense? Yeah, still a mess. Hopefully, someone asks Phil about the three cb back line he rolled out and why JDM is still starting.
Yay, Timbers! KC sucks but ya gotta beat the guys you're supposed to beat
Wow! Crepeau saves the day!
That should stand! Will VAR get it right?!
That VAR bit was nuts. We cheered for VAR like it was a goal
Sure did! Thank god it did. I just couldn't see the offside, quite frankly.
Anthony was in an “offside position” on Rodriguez’ cross. That’s my guess on why the linesman made that call. Bad call under current rules, mind
Yes, though Fischer specifically commented on Mora's position, which I didn't think was in question
Pretty bad call by the lineman
There was a bunch of traffic so the linesman couldn't see when Rodriguez kicked the ball too well. The SKC tries to trap Mora but is a hair too late. I don't think it was an insane call for the line judge to get wrong, although obviously it was.
I wish we could get Max a clean sheet just because he deserves it and because the stats will show a horrible goals acored against average that he doesn't exactly earn. That number belongs to the back line, of course.
I wish someone can tell Evander he’s not that good with dribbling
Ugh, there goes the clean sheet
The color guy has said a couple times that Phil says he hasn't been happy with the players and that they're playing for their jobs- methinks Phil lacks insight.
I really really appreciate Mora's effort. When you barely get any service and have to keep bailinout a clueless back line, I'd start thinking of an exit plan. John, too.
As for Evander, very nice assist. If only we can string some passes together more often. Clear as day that not everyone on the team is on the same page playing together.
And why does Phil keep pulling Mora? Can Mora not do the full 90? He looks ticked to be coming off and he is doing so well.
Evander working his ass off to make that cross.
Nice! I was wondering where Mora had been
If MP and NG think the number of empty seats isn't that big of a deal, then wait until the end of the season. Not saying it is gonna happen but with the way this team plays, wouldn't surprise me if at some point we draw less than Vermont Green.
Felt like we had a 6 and two 8’s that half. Evander has to get up the field otherwise we’re just going direct over the top.
It’s hard to get excited about coming to a Timbers game when they play like they are sleepwalking. They should be playing a lot quicker and harder, they have the individual talent. I wonder about the team morale. Giving up my season ticket looks like a good move.
Not a terrible half, but definitely looks like two bad teams out there. Evander doesn’t look focused, he needs to lock in because we desperately need him to be the creative spark in the attack if we’re to score. Kamal Miller has been better at LB than I was expecting, I was concerned about him being exposed with Russell but he hasn’t had much to do.
Ayala looks great. Love him so much
Yep, this "3 cb and 1 fb" back line is really working. We look worse than last week. This team is the bad news bears.
My guess is Eric Miller is not actually 100% given the beating he took last week. With Bravo out, it's this Frankenstein lineup or Asprilla if you're playing 4 in the back. Not sure why not play 3 in the back then, but whatever... I'll take the points
First live match this season, so I have no context. Have the Timbers been this soft pressing all year? It’s like there IS no press until the final third, if that. KC passing around like fucking Barca…
We actually don't press at all, despite what Neville thinks. We actually don't have a press despite whatever pathetic attempt is made week in and week out. Of course, thiis non-press is an issue that goes back to the Gio era. Phil is just continuing his dubious legacy.
Yeah, this looks a lot like Gio’s no-press “defending” was my first thought. Does Neville say differently? I can’t imagine how he could think that.
Considering he's rolling out JDM at fb right now and that the defense corps still plays the same way as they did last year - maybe he does think so. Neville just strikes me as similar to Gio in that we don't have a effing clue as to their tactical philosophy. Other than rolling out a lineup and saying we want to play "attacking soccer". Cause that's what they both said when they got hired. And the results show otherwise.
This team is so hard to watch. Ayala is looking comfortable so that's good. Evander looks like he hates having to play.
for the love of God can we please move the ball faster than a snail chasing a turtle?
Nice to see so many empty seats. Honestly. No sarcasm. Maybe eventually it will force a change in a management
Don't hold your breath....
Not one cohesive play…
Just saw the lineup. More tactical genius stuff. You might have heard the Pochettino news. I remember several years ago some pundit or source saying on twitter that he was somewhat interested in mls and that some team should start a conversation with him. I'm sure he already has offers. But maybe we should give him a buzz. Just sorta test the waters. Hopefully the FO and owner wake up and cut our losses sooner rather than later.
As for JDM on the back line again, yeah guess genius coach hasn't learned much from prior matches.
Is this the false fullback lineup?
Kinda want SKC to score first, both teams suck at holding leads so I feel like whoever scores first almost has a better chance of losing. Playing the odds here lol
Anyone see the lineup yet?
Crepeau
Mosquera
Arajau
Zuparic
K Miller
Chara
Ayala
Anthony
Rodriguez
Evander
Mora
Soooo…three CB’s and one fullback?
How does everyone feel about that SKC is one of only two clubs that are sucking worse than we are? Is that a ray of hope, or are we in the “we can lose to anyone” phase now?
Very little consolation, really. What's worse is the Rapids. How the hell we are doing worse than that team in the table - just depressing.
Colorado is pretty decent this year. 4th most goals in the league. 3 points out of second place in the West.
Ray of hope. The pieces are on the board, it's just how they're utilized...
Really really want to see a team that wants to win in front of the home Army. #PTFC