Well would you look at that: the Timbers have won back-to-back games! Can they make it a nine point week against the Dynamo at home? Come chat through the footy in the match thread!
Strangely poor game from Chara. Quite a few giveaways, very few contributions in the middle, and that second goal was set up by his mark (or lack of). As a CDM, that’s the pass he has to shut down and he was deeper than our CBs.
Crepeau also has to do better there. If it goes in, it goes in, but he has to get contact with that ball, and should have positioned himself better to get there. He has a tendency to focus too much on rushing out to close down the angle, and in doing so his feet get caught off balance or lead to drift out of position. He over committed to the near post, over-covering it, and left that far side wide open.
As bad as the ref was, I was actually more annoyed at whatever fucking podcast bros they just made us listen to, jfc.
Also the reason he dropped so deep if rewatch was because our cbs had gone wide to distribute from Crepeau, once Miller passed to the other team, they played square so he dropped central to take away easy through ball, them Miller left his mark leaving an easy through ball to space vacated by Miller. Chara played that one correctly.
He may not have been great but the second goal was all Miller. he passed it straight to the Houston player with little pressure and bailed on his mark during recovery leaving his man wide open. Also left his mark in first one. All in all, Miller did not play well and involved in both goal allowances.
the man is 38 and started 3 games in 7 days. And he is now tasked to press up high and wide in the midfield. He’s not being used to shield or DCs much this season.
not disagreeing with you, just giving my opinion why Chara suddenly looks 35+ this season. Neville rests Ayala and starts Chara. He is asking to much of him.
Have to wait until the offseason but I'm ready to offload every cb except Zup. And just about all the fbs except Bravo. Pawn Kamal Miller to the CPL or USL. Whatever. And go out and start shopping in one of the top 5 leagues. Maybe Italy since the price for anybody English is grossly overinflated. But the defense needs to be rebuilt. With actual serious, credible defenders. Like they can actually pass and defend while chewing gum. Because just about every defender we now have can't do that.
Finally, give the strikers a pay raise. Like I said on Wed, take the money from the dead weight that we're hopefully getting rid of come the offseason.
there isn’t as much quality on D as there is up top, but enough to be fine in the MLS. This is a coaching and system problem. Two DCs and a DMC that is tasked to press higher and wide means gaps. A defensive on their heels or running back to goals is a susceptible D. The fact that the same opportunities keep presenting themselves to the opposition tells us all we need to know.
both goals were just poor defensive plays not coaching. player mistakes. not defending Neville by any means but Miller was downright a liability last night
it seems to be getting worse as we go. Each of our defenders is worse than last season. They’re not comfortable and are making mistakes. A good system makes mediocre players look good, a bad system/coaching just makes a defense look terrible.
This team,when it creates turnovers needs to keep the ball and have it more. We did not get to any second balls as there was more hustle for the entire game by the opponent. We need to keep the ball on goal when we shoot. This was winnable. Still waiting on big time saves from Crepeau.
I really think this defense is hopeless and they should all be fired and sent to Siberia. Or just find some semi-pro league that wants some hardened veteran experience.
Seriously, we shouldn't have to hope that VAR bails us out from poor play.
To give the Timbers credit, the offense has looked excellent this year. We are one of the top scoring teams in the league. But our defense sucks canal water and until we can resolve that, we are going to be an under .500 team.
Moreno and Antony, I'm not sure what either of these two actually contribute attacking wise. A ball played out to Antony is a ball to the opposing team.
Nathan - a guy I thought was gonners once on loan to San Antonio. Bless him and the strikers crew. Bailing out the defense every week. An a clutch goal, too. Meanwhile, defense keeps trying to cough up goals and waste their teammates' efforts.
I betcha Miami is happy about trading away Kamal Miller despite thee still crappy defense. At least they have Jordi Alba back there and the rest of the Barca boys. Can't say the same for us.
And I will bet that no matter what Neville will continue to hold him above everyone else. During preseason anytime Neville got asked about the defense he'd pretty much always only mention Miller and would hype him up
Really. Admittedly I wasn't able to keep up with much of the preseason. How did Neville hype up Miller? Was that due to hhis time as an assistant with the Canucks?
It's Canada. Compared to the attack and midfield their defense is lacking. Reminds me of the days when the nats had to start Agoos. There's Davies but he doesn't play lb for them. And now having seen Miller player half a season for us, I understand why teams keep trading him.
I've been watching/shooting the Timbers for 24 years now, and always have watched soccer with a defensive view as I was a goalkeeper during my (brief) HS and college playing time, but this is the worst defense I have seen them play. They can't even get their basic defensive shape right. Something has to change, ASAP.
Creaky old former centerback here...and I couldn't agree more. This team's defense isn't just overly error-prone, they really don't get a lot of really basic defensive stuff right. Inexcusable in a first-division pro side.
Been watching soccer since '94. Think we called the game "kickball" when I was a kid. Always was biased toward an attack-oriented view. But that was in concert with defenders who could defend and jump start the attack. These guys just lack pitch awareness as a group never mind technical skills. I really don't want to know who scouted these guys. Cause someone thought they would be great additions to the squad.
Outside the first 10-15 minutes, Timbers did very well that half. Deserved another goal. Hope they can keep that up. Paredes hasn’t been great, I hope we see Ayala or Williamson soon
For whatever reason, I’m always annoyed at seeing those two stars on the Houston jerseys. How do they have more than we do? When have they ever been consistently at the top of the table? They always seem to beat us which is annoying, too.
Won mls cup in '06 & '07. That was when they still had some of the old san jose crew. After that, things went downhill. And then they got the new owner who seems ambitious. Wish the league would find us a new owner, too. But Hou is a big market so...
JDM...again someone find out who his youth club coach is...and put his name on the black list to never be allowed to coach in the USA. And good to see we're still hopeless at set piece defense. Hope John and/or Mora can do their thing.
I had a positive impression of Mosquera at first, but now he's become a defensive liability, and an offensive liability as well. We really need to move on.
Him and Mabs. And it pains me but maybe McGraw. We could upgrade Miller but he's ok as a backup and cheap? Mabe Witsel would like a return to the league? As you said, time to move on.
Strangely poor game from Chara. Quite a few giveaways, very few contributions in the middle, and that second goal was set up by his mark (or lack of). As a CDM, that’s the pass he has to shut down and he was deeper than our CBs.
Crepeau also has to do better there. If it goes in, it goes in, but he has to get contact with that ball, and should have positioned himself better to get there. He has a tendency to focus too much on rushing out to close down the angle, and in doing so his feet get caught off balance or lead to drift out of position. He over committed to the near post, over-covering it, and left that far side wide open.
As bad as the ref was, I was actually more annoyed at whatever fucking podcast bros they just made us listen to, jfc.
Also the reason he dropped so deep if rewatch was because our cbs had gone wide to distribute from Crepeau, once Miller passed to the other team, they played square so he dropped central to take away easy through ball, them Miller left his mark leaving an easy through ball to space vacated by Miller. Chara played that one correctly.
He may not have been great but the second goal was all Miller. he passed it straight to the Houston player with little pressure and bailed on his mark during recovery leaving his man wide open. Also left his mark in first one. All in all, Miller did not play well and involved in both goal allowances.
the man is 38 and started 3 games in 7 days. And he is now tasked to press up high and wide in the midfield. He’s not being used to shield or DCs much this season.
Then rotate the fucking squad. None of what you said is untrue, but neither is anything I said.
not disagreeing with you, just giving my opinion why Chara suddenly looks 35+ this season. Neville rests Ayala and starts Chara. He is asking to much of him.
Fun attack. Shame about the defense.
Have to wait until the offseason but I'm ready to offload every cb except Zup. And just about all the fbs except Bravo. Pawn Kamal Miller to the CPL or USL. Whatever. And go out and start shopping in one of the top 5 leagues. Maybe Italy since the price for anybody English is grossly overinflated. But the defense needs to be rebuilt. With actual serious, credible defenders. Like they can actually pass and defend while chewing gum. Because just about every defender we now have can't do that.
Finally, give the strikers a pay raise. Like I said on Wed, take the money from the dead weight that we're hopefully getting rid of come the offseason.
there isn’t as much quality on D as there is up top, but enough to be fine in the MLS. This is a coaching and system problem. Two DCs and a DMC that is tasked to press higher and wide means gaps. A defensive on their heels or running back to goals is a susceptible D. The fact that the same opportunities keep presenting themselves to the opposition tells us all we need to know.
both goals were just poor defensive plays not coaching. player mistakes. not defending Neville by any means but Miller was downright a liability last night
it seems to be getting worse as we go. Each of our defenders is worse than last season. They’re not comfortable and are making mistakes. A good system makes mediocre players look good, a bad system/coaching just makes a defense look terrible.
The crossbar and posts are MOTM for Houston?
Well our defense would like a word.
Nah, their acting coach is definitely MOTM
Houston dive so much, it's like watching PSG, only without the "good at soccer" part.
This team,when it creates turnovers needs to keep the ball and have it more. We did not get to any second balls as there was more hustle for the entire game by the opponent. We need to keep the ball on goal when we shoot. This was winnable. Still waiting on big time saves from Crepeau.
Can Merritt please sell the team to the Deadpool guy.
Fair result
Watching our offense tonight was entertaining.
Watching our defense tonight is a continuing nightmare. Is anything going to change?
It could if we play in the summer transfer window
I'm waiting for MP to announce the "big signing" that will shock everyone in about six weeks or so. Although we shouldn't hold our collective breath.
Houston hits the deck on every merest hint of contact...and the clown of a center ref buys it every single time.
when it's embarrassing, mls pro needs to act...and this was embarrassing!
Carrasquillo is the master flopper
I really think this defense is hopeless and they should all be fired and sent to Siberia. Or just find some semi-pro league that wants some hardened veteran experience.
Seriously, we shouldn't have to hope that VAR bails us out from poor play.
Especially considering Houston scores the fewest goals...
The yellow team sucks… the yellow team sucks…
To give the Timbers credit, the offense has looked excellent this year. We are one of the top scoring teams in the league. But our defense sucks canal water and until we can resolve that, we are going to be an under .500 team.
I miss the days when the TA bros kept their shirts on...
About time Moreno was subbed out. He has been poor tonight
Moreno and Antony, I'm not sure what either of these two actually contribute attacking wise. A ball played out to Antony is a ball to the opposing team.
"Phil Neville absolute genius..." Easy there commentators
I *think* that was a bit tongue in cheek. At least I hope so.
They just called Phil a hero so I don't think it was tongue in cheek at all. Gross.
I don't think he was
Agreed, did not sound that way
I know! I just threw up a little in my mouth there.
Another comeback tie in a game we concede 2 goals means Neville gets to spin the game into a positive and doesn't get the heat he should
Nathan - a guy I thought was gonners once on loan to San Antonio. Bless him and the strikers crew. Bailing out the defense every week. An a clutch goal, too. Meanwhile, defense keeps trying to cough up goals and waste their teammates' efforts.
I don't think the announcer knows what 'prolific' means...
Nathan For You.
Sigh. Would have been a killer equalizer by John.
This game is ridiculous
I betcha Miami is happy about trading away Kamal Miller despite thee still crappy defense. At least they have Jordi Alba back there and the rest of the Barca boys. Can't say the same for us.
Miller tried to give away another one. Aaargh.
Kamal Miller just got bailed out there for another epic mistake.
Houston's flopping tonight has reached epic levels, and even the announcers are noting it.
C'mon Evander. I like the idea but the pass needs to better.
Neville's prized child Kamal Miller
I'm still struggling to understand how he merits a national team call up. I've been underwhelmed by his play
And I will bet that no matter what Neville will continue to hold him above everyone else. During preseason anytime Neville got asked about the defense he'd pretty much always only mention Miller and would hype him up
He’s been atrocious all year. 🤮
Really. Admittedly I wasn't able to keep up with much of the preseason. How did Neville hype up Miller? Was that due to hhis time as an assistant with the Canucks?
It's Canada. Compared to the attack and midfield their defense is lacking. Reminds me of the days when the nats had to start Agoos. There's Davies but he doesn't play lb for them. And now having seen Miller player half a season for us, I understand why teams keep trading him.
I have an idea: trade away this defense for some pet rocks or traffic cones. I'm sure those objects can do better than what we've been seeing lately.
I've been watching/shooting the Timbers for 24 years now, and always have watched soccer with a defensive view as I was a goalkeeper during my (brief) HS and college playing time, but this is the worst defense I have seen them play. They can't even get their basic defensive shape right. Something has to change, ASAP.
Creaky old former centerback here...and I couldn't agree more. This team's defense isn't just overly error-prone, they really don't get a lot of really basic defensive stuff right. Inexcusable in a first-division pro side.
Been watching soccer since '94. Think we called the game "kickball" when I was a kid. Always was biased toward an attack-oriented view. But that was in concert with defenders who could defend and jump start the attack. These guys just lack pitch awareness as a group never mind technical skills. I really don't want to know who scouted these guys. Cause someone thought they would be great additions to the squad.
Time to start another long 2+ goals allowed per game streak, to match the MLS record we set earlier this year.
Who ever plays defense first wins.
Like no one on defense can mark let alone get their positioning and spacing correct. They always look confused every single match. Unbelievable.
Stellar defense strikes again.
Crepeau needed much better positioning there.
Mosquera again
Sorry the bad pass was K. Miller
Timbers defense back to their old tricks...
Anthony on. Do you suppose he practiced using his left foot?
For standing on?
Antony's not terrible, and he's not great.
He's just... all right.
Outside the first 10-15 minutes, Timbers did very well that half. Deserved another goal. Hope they can keep that up. Paredes hasn’t been great, I hope we see Ayala or Williamson soon
It’s a good thing Bravo is back, otherwise….
I love Rodriguez. The guy is unstoppable when he goes to the end line. He needs about 1" of space to beat his man.
Houston looks like shiiiiiiiiiii, lol
More shots like that on frame please and thank you
Said it before but nice to have strikers who can finish. If only the midfield could provide service more than one ball every 10 min or so.
Great team goal right there
That's how you do it... well done.
You have to put that shot on net, Rodríguez.
At least we're winning the moon shot battle...
we were, in a word, wasteful!
For whatever reason, I’m always annoyed at seeing those two stars on the Houston jerseys. How do they have more than we do? When have they ever been consistently at the top of the table? They always seem to beat us which is annoying, too.
Won mls cup in '06 & '07. That was when they still had some of the old san jose crew. After that, things went downhill. And then they got the new owner who seems ambitious. Wish the league would find us a new owner, too. But Hou is a big market so...
JDM on the counter breakaway there. I knew that would turn out well...
Yes, why is an alleged defender the front guy heading the other way?!
JDM...again someone find out who his youth club coach is...and put his name on the black list to never be allowed to coach in the USA. And good to see we're still hopeless at set piece defense. Hope John and/or Mora can do their thing.
I had a positive impression of Mosquera at first, but now he's become a defensive liability, and an offensive liability as well. We really need to move on.
Him and Mabs. And it pains me but maybe McGraw. We could upgrade Miller but he's ok as a backup and cheap? Mabe Witsel would like a return to the league? As you said, time to move on.
The stream I was able to find here in Japan has no audio. Watching the "defense," I'm thinking I'll just play "Yakkity Sax" on loop.
https://cdn.livetv788.me/webplayer.php?t=ifr&c=2414138&lang=en&eid=208876152&lid=2414138&ci=64&si=1
DON'T LET MOSQUERA SHOOT!
he had a wonderful first touch to set himself up...then took an absolute howler of a shot!
Well he hesitated, so...