Match Discussion Thread: Timbers vs Austin FC
The Texas two-step at home begins with Portland on the brink of the playoffs
Portland returns home for their final two regular season games in Providence Park this season. First up is Austin, where a win would stamp Portland’s return to the postseason. Can they do it? Come chat in the comments as we all find out!
WHO: Portland Timbers vs. Austin FC
WHAT: MLS Matchday 36
WHERE: Providence Park | Portland, OR
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. PT, streaming on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Oh, man, shut out at home by Austin!!!? That hurts
Wasted opportunity. Phil said he's looking for mentality and that it's "not tactics, its mentality." Well, its both in my opinion. Saying its mentality is like telling the team to "try harder." We need leadership to have mentality. I don't think Evander or Chara are leadership guys but lead more by example. Say what you want about Will Johnson from Championship days but that guy had bite and he brought mentality to the team. We don't have that. We were told we will have fast and exciting soccer and we have some talent that can deliver that. But, I want the front office and coaches to tell us that we are going to play defense. A night like tonight with the offense off; the defense can win the game. I know the opposing goal was a deflection but with over 50 goals allowed, that is on the defense, front office and coaches. I'm sick of leaking goals, starting seasons slow and starting games slow and I think the philosophy needs to change and the front office need to get it's act together. I have at least 2 reasons why every player on the back line should not be here next year. Yes, we focused on bringing attacking players in but this sucks and it has for years. Its the fault of the front office because they bring in the players and the coaches. The front office lost Bertrame and Pec and misdiagnosed Rodriquez as a striker. and we discovered after he arrived that he is a winger. Who expected Mora to be this good after his injury. Thank God, Mora has been this good after his injury. If there is any interest from outside teams on the back line, send them. Bravo and Mosquera are a risk defensively and constantly leave us exposed and our CB's can't dominate a corner kick. They're small, can't jump and its really too bad that McGraw's footwork and decision making is suspect because he has the size of a CB and can and has dominated in the middle. If someone is interested in Moreno, send him. We need a more impactful p;layer and scorer on the right. Mora and Rodriguez are older so there's work to do there and I would serious consider moving Ayala to the 6, put Evander at the 8 and bring in a Dp 10. Williamson, and Loria: thank you for your help but your services may be of better used in a change of environment. As for Phil, there are some things that have impressed me andI have less complaints than I had with Gio but I've had it with cheerleader coaches. Pushing for mentality and having the Timbers Army sucking in goals for us just doesn't cut it. We play 90 min and have come back when behind in games. well that's not a compliment and that's not mentality.. That says we start games slow. It is about tactics, you and your assistant were defensive players. Get the job done. And I hope the front office brings you talent and players with grit, determination and leadership.