The Timbers fight to keep their faint playoff hopes alive against LAFC at home. Can they capitalize on some good vibes from last week and a skidding zombie Chivas? Come chat through whatever happens in the match thread!
I just came on here to scroll through the game thread to see what people thought but now I want to know who all you old folks are playing bingo throughout the game. I hope the senior center provided snacks. ;)
He gets a lot of flak on here and most of it is undeserved. I think mostly he’s been a scapegoat for failures of Gio’s defensive “system.” He certainly has his limitations and probably ought to retire soon. But, when used right as a stay at home defense first defender, he’s B+/A- MLS level. His positioning is good, defensive fundamentals solid, and he’s a boss in the air. What you can’t do is what Gio often did, which is play him with a high defensive line. You need speedy defenders for that and speed is his critical weakness.
Gio was whipping boy 1 and Mabiala was whipping boy 2. He’s not nearly as bad or as worrisome (especially when he comes in late as an additional defender and everyone freaks out) as we treat him here. I feel like he’s above average at his position offensively.
However he’s old and shouldn’t be playing too much. He killed us last year getting caught upfield without the speed at his age to get back—but as you say, was part of an incongruent system. And he’s not super cheap. He’s probably done here. Probably should have been last year.
However, he’s been an important part of some deep Timbers runs and some success. I’m glad he at the very least had a great moment on Saturday in the wind down.
And my goodness does it show. It’s been a long time since I ended the game feeling like Mabiala did well. Mostly, I’m just hoping and hoping he doesn’t screw something up massively, but it felt like tonight he didn’t really put a wrong step. His defense was solid and he picked up the scraps on that crazy muffed goal clearance. Definitely have to say all the credit for that performance goes to Ridgewell.
It was a good game. Defense was composed. Players had good spacing. Players made runs off the ball. Players weren't constantly running into each other. And best of all, They smiled and looked like they were enjoying how they were playing. It is actually enjoyable to watch them under Joseph. He has them doing the basics and it shows. It's soccer 101. Something I don't think I ever saw under gio consistently.
This is so Timbers. Our two worst defenders are the best attackers and they still get a clean sheet with Mabs and Bravo getting dusted all game. I'll take it
Getting dusted? I didn’t see them get dusted *at all* let alone all game. They both played absolute shutdown defense. The entire back line had massive wins all night long. Bravo made Vela evaporate.
Bravo did have a couple of miss cues generally due to his aggressive play style. But they didn’t feel like major gaffes. One of the bigger, major defensive gaffes was Paredes pointless take down off Vela right outside the box. That could’ve turned the game at the end, and it was a stupid foolish pull down. But I would say Mabiala didn’t make a significant wrong move all night and that’s quite frankly stunning. Here I’ve been thinking the poor man’s washed up but maybe he just needed some Liam Ridgewell coaching.
As Withdrawn Striker points out upthread, Mabiala still does very well when not being placed into a defensive scheme that doesn't suit him. At this point in his career he just doesn't have the recovery speed to play in a high line. But in the system Ridgey looks to have introduced, with Mabs able to play deeper, he still has a lot to offer, particularly in terms of aerial defense, experience in reading the game, and set piece offense.
So I didn’t see either of them getting dusted all games. Mabs positioning was fantastic. He took away almost every cross. Bravo had a really great game I thought. Shut down Vela and didn’t get smoked.
Well, wonders never cease. Bravo and Mabs scoring - for the home team - wasn't on my bingo card. But a very nice pleasant surprise. At this point in the season, I'll take the guys playing loose and cojnfident rather than uptight and tentative. This performance does creat more questions about previous coaching - but we've all got theories on what's benn going on behind the scenes. Needless to say, we got a big W against LAFC. And we looked quite good. And a shutout against Vela. That's progress, alright.
Lol, Dolo. As a Nats fan I think he'll be a great canddidate for us one day. But now, pretty clear that he still hasn't figured out how to get superior talent to show up on a weekly basis. Miami on Sunday and now the Timbers tonite. Just can't always turn up for a cup final.
You might not have heard but there are reports that Richie Williams actually might have filed a cokmplaint against Arena. Maybe Joseph didn't always see eye to eye with Gio on tactics - who knows. But tonite wasn't exactly Gioball. But as Joseph doesn't want the manager job, just don't hire Williams.
So you're saying he rolled the tape and reviewed the Porterball years? Alison's comment on the team attacking and generally playing smarter does seem to remind me of Porterball though maybe more 2014-15 than 2013.
Yes win, lose or draw the Gioless Timbers are actually entertaining. Shows it was the correct decision to let him go. It really was some of the most boring and low quality soccer at the professional level
Not enough evidence though it is interesting to note the Nats under Berhalter (first game back) looke dlike the same old ponderous team compared to the Callaghan-led Gold Cup swuad. Who knows how much influence Joseph had on Gio. And itrc, the Timbers did look more interesting when Llamose coached them whenever Gio was suspended.
We always seem to go flat after scoring instead of putting the pedal to the metal. We gave up far too much possession. Need more something (fire, grit?). Something...an early sub maybe.
I’ll take it. Relatively slow half from both teams, no one really got out of second gear much. We aren’t playing too bad, Bravo is showing well, but his wing partner is pretty invisible
Long time since Mabs scored. I still don't want him here next season but he's been a good servant of the club. Ok with me if he goes out scoring a goal or two.
I really like what I am seeing. Possession with purpose. Patience when needed and alot of movement off the ball. It actually looks like there is a plan.
It’s always give and go between two people. Once in awhile, someone gets inspired to make a run. But mostly, players standing around. Wonder why three people can’t play off each other but I think that’s two advanced Messi like for us.
I just came on here to scroll through the game thread to see what people thought but now I want to know who all you old folks are playing bingo throughout the game. I hope the senior center provided snacks. ;)
In defense of Larrys Mabiala.
He gets a lot of flak on here and most of it is undeserved. I think mostly he’s been a scapegoat for failures of Gio’s defensive “system.” He certainly has his limitations and probably ought to retire soon. But, when used right as a stay at home defense first defender, he’s B+/A- MLS level. His positioning is good, defensive fundamentals solid, and he’s a boss in the air. What you can’t do is what Gio often did, which is play him with a high defensive line. You need speedy defenders for that and speed is his critical weakness.
Gio was whipping boy 1 and Mabiala was whipping boy 2. He’s not nearly as bad or as worrisome (especially when he comes in late as an additional defender and everyone freaks out) as we treat him here. I feel like he’s above average at his position offensively.
However he’s old and shouldn’t be playing too much. He killed us last year getting caught upfield without the speed at his age to get back—but as you say, was part of an incongruent system. And he’s not super cheap. He’s probably done here. Probably should have been last year.
However, he’s been an important part of some deep Timbers runs and some success. I’m glad he at the very least had a great moment on Saturday in the wind down.
First goal, man, their goalkeeper choked massively.
Second goal. My favorite kind of goal —team goal with nice passing. Love it.
McGraw and Joseph's post-match comments offered several nuggets:
- more player accountability in video review sessions
- bigger role for Ridgy working. on defense in the box, including set pieces
- more practice time devoted to set-piece defense
- implementation of unspecified new wrinkles
And my goodness does it show. It’s been a long time since I ended the game feeling like Mabiala did well. Mostly, I’m just hoping and hoping he doesn’t screw something up massively, but it felt like tonight he didn’t really put a wrong step. His defense was solid and he picked up the scraps on that crazy muffed goal clearance. Definitely have to say all the credit for that performance goes to Ridgewell.
Agree. Really enjoyed Mabs play. If he can play back and just come up for set pieces he will be an asset off the bench!
It was a good game. Defense was composed. Players had good spacing. Players made runs off the ball. Players weren't constantly running into each other. And best of all, They smiled and looked like they were enjoying how they were playing. It is actually enjoyable to watch them under Joseph. He has them doing the basics and it shows. It's soccer 101. Something I don't think I ever saw under gio consistently.
This is so Timbers. Our two worst defenders are the best attackers and they still get a clean sheet with Mabs and Bravo getting dusted all game. I'll take it
Getting dusted? I didn’t see them get dusted *at all* let alone all game. They both played absolute shutdown defense. The entire back line had massive wins all night long. Bravo made Vela evaporate.
Bravo did have a couple of miss cues generally due to his aggressive play style. But they didn’t feel like major gaffes. One of the bigger, major defensive gaffes was Paredes pointless take down off Vela right outside the box. That could’ve turned the game at the end, and it was a stupid foolish pull down. But I would say Mabiala didn’t make a significant wrong move all night and that’s quite frankly stunning. Here I’ve been thinking the poor man’s washed up but maybe he just needed some Liam Ridgewell coaching.
As Withdrawn Striker points out upthread, Mabiala still does very well when not being placed into a defensive scheme that doesn't suit him. At this point in his career he just doesn't have the recovery speed to play in a high line. But in the system Ridgey looks to have introduced, with Mabs able to play deeper, he still has a lot to offer, particularly in terms of aerial defense, experience in reading the game, and set piece offense.
So I didn’t see either of them getting dusted all games. Mabs positioning was fantastic. He took away almost every cross. Bravo had a really great game I thought. Shut down Vela and didn’t get smoked.
Had that down as an L.
Good to see Mabs score in what’s certainly his last stretch of games with the Timbers. Really, really want Blanco to get one—ideally at home.
Well, wonders never cease. Bravo and Mabs scoring - for the home team - wasn't on my bingo card. But a very nice pleasant surprise. At this point in the season, I'll take the guys playing loose and cojnfident rather than uptight and tentative. This performance does creat more questions about previous coaching - but we've all got theories on what's benn going on behind the scenes. Needless to say, we got a big W against LAFC. And we looked quite good. And a shutout against Vela. That's progress, alright.
And the rest of the West helped! KC lost, SJ and the Loons tied! Hopefully St. Louis will do us a solid and keep LAG in the basement.
Did not expect that with our defense. I, for one, welcome being wrong.
Clean sheet y'all
Awesome work. They looked great, i watched from the '40 but enjoyed it.
Love the Bravo composure and link up goal.
When you're wrong, you're wrong, and I was wrong.
Mabs held his own and even scored!
Defense for the win! Literally.
There is a Santa Claus!!!
Lol, Dolo. As a Nats fan I think he'll be a great canddidate for us one day. But now, pretty clear that he still hasn't figured out how to get superior talent to show up on a weekly basis. Miami on Sunday and now the Timbers tonite. Just can't always turn up for a cup final.
Well. Wasn't that nice
I'll take carry the ball to the corner for 200 Alex
So I forget, was firing Gio not at all a solution to our problems? I seem to remember hearing that.
You might not have heard but there are reports that Richie Williams actually might have filed a cokmplaint against Arena. Maybe Joseph didn't always see eye to eye with Gio on tactics - who knows. But tonite wasn't exactly Gioball. But as Joseph doesn't want the manager job, just don't hire Williams.
I didn't see that. I'm just happy to watch a game and not want to stab my eyeballs out in frustration. Whatever the deal, it was a welcome reprieve.
Jk, I'm just glad to see us playing a game that doesn't cause me physical pain. Lol.
Joseph's mission to eliminate defense is complete
So you're saying he rolled the tape and reviewed the Porterball years? Alison's comment on the team attacking and generally playing smarter does seem to remind me of Porterball though maybe more 2014-15 than 2013.
Yeah, and we just have no defense on the bench for this one. It's unfair to Joseph, just kind of funny to see Antony come in for Paredes
Gotta hurt to be Rasmussen... "Like, Coach, I'm right here!"
Where did these Timbers come from? They're attacking, they are making smart, controlled passes, their defense seems organized. Just amazing.
Yes win, lose or draw the Gioless Timbers are actually entertaining. Shows it was the correct decision to let him go. It really was some of the most boring and low quality soccer at the professional level
A pleasure to watch tonight
Joesph a tactical genius??
Not enough evidence though it is interesting to note the Nats under Berhalter (first game back) looke dlike the same old ponderous team compared to the Callaghan-led Gold Cup swuad. Who knows how much influence Joseph had on Gio. And itrc, the Timbers did look more interesting when Llamose coached them whenever Gio was suspended.
I don't know, but the Timbers have clearly been a different team since he took over.
Could speak to what some folks have alluded to - that Gio and more than a few of the guys did not have a good relationship.
Or that by firing Gio, Ned made it clear that it's open season and they are playing for their contracts.
Great team work and Bravo goal!!!!
Bravossimo!
Textbook
WHAT. A. GOAL.
Defenders scoring tonight? Sure! 🤷
It's Ridgy's master plan for control
Needs to teach those boys how to roll, though...
Who had Bravo scoring on their bingo card? Extra bonus points if you also had Timbers scoring two goals.
I did not have defenders scoring all the goals on my bingo card
WHAT IS HAPPENING!!! LFG
Great passing
And a nice finish!
Bravooooo
Mmm mmm mmm, seconds
LA's going to have the get the scoring terror that is Mabiala under control.
Mabiala hat trick was on my bingo card
just sayin
He damn near got a brace
We always seem to go flat after scoring instead of putting the pedal to the metal. We gave up far too much possession. Need more something (fire, grit?). Something...an early sub maybe.
I’ll take it. Relatively slow half from both teams, no one really got out of second gear much. We aren’t playing too bad, Bravo is showing well, but his wing partner is pretty invisible
Santi needs someone to play with
Paredes seems to be playing much more disciplined today, he’s not pushing nearly as high up as he usually does. It’s really helping our midfield shape
Dude, he just bossed Vela into kicking out of bounds. How far Peredes has come, how far Vela has fallen.
That was dodgy keeping. Keep it up Timbers
??? Bingham almost costed us there for slipping
Of course its Mabiala haha. And definitely not a foul there, Ilie just got muscled off the ball
Long time since Mabs scored. I still don't want him here next season but he's been a good servant of the club. Ok with me if he goes out scoring a goal or two.
Mabs!
Mabs scoring was on all our bingo cards right?!
A lead is a lead!
Just take whatever we get. Except for the match against Miami, I wish LAFC nothing but losses.
So who had Mabiala in the scoring pool tonight?
I had him scoring fot Lafc. Does that count?
Just like i predicted. With Mabiala we can't lose.
I have Bingham flapping aaround and giving up at least one goal. What are the odds?
That keeper deserves to be scored on by Mabs
Mabiala is god
I really like what I am seeing. Possession with purpose. Patience when needed and alot of movement off the ball. It actually looks like there is a plan.
It’s always give and go between two people. Once in awhile, someone gets inspired to make a run. But mostly, players standing around. Wonder why three people can’t play off each other but I think that’s two advanced Messi like for us.
Drink every time the Timbers attack dies in the 18 would render one quite blotto
Haha, we'd all die of alcohol poisoning
Good passing sequence but we never seem to have any ideas about how to finish. We get to the 18 and then nada, nope, zero.
Grr. There is patience, then there is procrastination
Santi shoot