Vibes were high and ultimately that’s what took us through. Columbus out classed us in possession, they were able to cut us apart with ease. Shows what good coaching does for a team. But for Valeri night, we did what needed to be done (winning) and I can’t really complain.
Evander was pretty quiet in a number 8 role and was forced to do more defending, which he was actually not too bad at. Though I much prefer him higher up in a freer role. He’s got magic in the final third. Asprilla with two really composed finishes was really nice to see. Of course we all wanted him to get the hat trick, but I thought taking him off was the right move, he was barely involved in the second half. Blanco scoring the winner was very fitting and a fantastic moment, the game changed when he, Yimmi, and Mora came on (though in all honesty Blanco didn’t do much, he just hugs the sideline and doesn’t run, then when he gets the ball he’s immediately looking for a cross). I think we’ve missed Yimmi on the pitch, his defensive work, his technical ability, his speed, and... not as much his finishing. Really disappointed there, but everything else is a level above our other wingers. Paredes was great, which was good to see because he’s been a bit quiet the past few games. He struggled a tad bit in the first ten or so minutes but picked it up afterwords.
Moreno should hopefully be back next game, I’m hopeful things will work out with him. If anything to just keep Loria off the field.
Oh, and Boli’s first touch and pass for that second goal... goddamn. Quality. What a great signing he’s been, I’m a big fan
Columbus possession - Nagbe looks like a 25 year old out there. The guy still can out possess anyone. I loved seeing Paredes go after him, though. He doesn't back down from anyone. Paredes is so underated as a ball winner, sand in the engine kind of guy. He will muck it all up for the other team. He is probably not the guy you want to make the final third passes, but interestingly, he did a lot to keep plays going in the box that led to scores. He kind of did a lot of little things, in addition to his usual great defense. Glad we have him.
I bag on Asprilla plenty but those were really great finishes. The article says his second was a toe poke, but he tucked it in very well. I agree with you, though, that he needed to come off.
And, like you said, Boli should be highly appreciated for his work on Asprilla's second goal. He's been a good signing. It'll be interesting to see who rates in Gio's eyes moving forward - Mora or Boli.
It's funny you talk about movement, because we were talking about that at the game all night. I loved Nagbe when he was here, and I love watching him even more now, because that dude does not waste a single step. He's incredibly efficient with his movements, and he knows exactly what he's gonna do two steps before he does it.
It was delightful watching Blanco score; as much as I hope he retires after this season, he does have 15-20 good minutes a game in him these days, and I was glad to see his recovery pay off with a goal.
And then there's Y Chara. Good lord. Two gilt-edged clear cut chances, and...oof. The sooner the Timbers part ways with him, the better.
Overall, a decent night - one OK game doesn't change my GioOut-ness, because as others have said watching a team that's as well coached as Columbus was really makes me miss good coaching. But it was good to get a win, and it was so good to send Diego Valeri off into the night with a lovely tribute and a win.
Oh, and in the video they played before Valeri came on, we all discovered something else Lucas Melano can't do. He can't even lip sync right. Half-assed the tambourine and was mumbling random words...oof. Overall that was a really good tribute all the way around, though.
I may be misremembering, but that video has been floating around for a couple years. So I don't think that ensemble was put together to record for this specific event.
Ah yeah, that makes a little more sense then. It just seemed like a very random collection of people in 2023, but if it's been around a while it's not nearly as random.
Wishing every match is Valeri Night is asking too much, but for all their faults the home team puts all the pieces together to bring them back from The Precipice. Not taking away from Asprilla + Blanco's efforts, Crew's second goal was slide-rule efficiency at work.
There was no one within 8 yards of either the passer or of Zelarayan when he was able to get that shot off. It was an amazing shot, not much Bingham could have done, but it never should have been able to be taken in the first place.
Yep, its fair to call out Evander on that play. Once the Crew player went by him he stopped tracking back and it was an easy play at that point. Credit on the shot, but Evander could have done better.
Yeah, weak challenge and then let's the guy go on by. At least ride him in and stay with him. Slow it down so others can get back.
Generally ok with Evander but he got bit on that one, and it should be noted that he has gone to sleep in latter stages of games on defense in the past. Also, he's playing the 8 now, it seems, and less of a 10, so he's going to need to embrace a little dirty work all the way through the match, especially with Blanco out there, or Gio will have to switch Paredes to that side.
Paredes was caught way up field, he was in line with Mora on the front line. He does a lot of work but he ventures way too high up the field sometimes (a lot of the time actually, but it’s usually from high pressing and he does it very well) and leaves a gap behind him. I don’t entirely blame Evander for being played (and miscast imo) as an 8, I really don’t think it benefits him or the team
Yeah, there's no more MLS play until late August at this point. My hot take: I hope Timbers punt this dumb cup competition and take the time to get rested and healthy, and to drill the mistakes out of the defensive players so there is more consistency to the defense.
Actually, I kind of hope they do go all in on Leagues Cup. Their up-to-this-point shitty season won't count against them, and it'd be nice to make a final in its inaugural year. More important, they've already punted the regular season. Only hope is to crawl into one of the two extra "participation trophy" playoff spots for crappy teams, which I'd rather didn't even exist. Seven playoff spots in each conference is plenty (and arguably too much already).
Leagues Cup has been around a few years though, this is just the first season the entirety of both leagues will be competing in it. In the last few years 4 or 5 teams from MLS and Liga MX were chosen to participate.
Thanks, didn't know that, or forgot already. Guess it didn't make an impression. Anyway, it's a fresh start, and with all games on Season Pass, I'm sure many more people will watch, so why not make a good showing. Although perhaps the smartest thing would be to showcase Moreno, if he's really intent on leaving. Maybe could create some demand for his services and we'll get a decent offer for him. Or showcase Niezgoda, to hope against hope he can get something going to raise his market value from zero to something. That's probably not compatible with trying to win, of course.
Tbh I don't think it matters for players like niezgoda. His contract is up at the end of the year. So unless we extend it, we won't get anything from him. Especially if teams know his contract is up at the end of the year. Nobody would inquire about him because that would only tip off Portland to extend his contract and ask for a transfer. So if anyone is interested in the many players that will be out of contract after this year, they will just wait out the year before contacting the player or agent
Good point. We'll have to be satisfied by the money that becomes available when Niezgoda's contract expires, and it'll be just another failed Timbers DP signing. Another reason to go all out in Leagues Cup is because Miami isn't on the schedule this year, and may not be next year. I have no idea how the brackets will be set up, but if we and Miami can get out of their groups, and both keep winning (admittedly unlikely), we'll meet up eventually. That could be our only chance to see Messi against Timbers till 2025 (or ever, considering possibility of injury or rest).
Gio, being a tournament coach, will have a tough time not going all in. Not sure it will help much though as I can't imagine getting past the first round as inconsistent and mostly downright bad as this team has been all year ... then again 2 of 3 teams get through to round 2, so the bar isn't very high. We have the advantage of all home games in the first round though, but I can't imagine winning past that.
I also am unclear on the format once the knockouts start. Like USOC where a coin flip winner hosts? All of the round 1 games are played in the US and Canada (for example Tigres plays San Jose at San Jose in addition to us at Prov Park). Are the MLS teams going to travel to Mexico for round 2? Seems like a bloodbath in the offing - playing in Mexico mid summer.
Looking at the Wikipedia page for the tournament, it looks like the winner AND runner up in the Timbers' group will play at home in the round of 32. There's only one other group that is set up that way, the rest of the group winners will play their R32 game at home, and the group runners up play away.
A few thoughts. First, me and Jr had a fantastic evening at the Park. As others have commented, good vibes were through the roof, the TA was loud and proud, and it was great to give El Rey a final ovation. Oh yeah, plus an Asprilla brace, some 15 minutes of fun, attacking Timbers football at the end, and three points. Heck yeah!
But......
That game was a complete indictment of Gio and/or the front office. When Seba, Mora, and Yimmy were subbed on, we finally saw about 20 minutes of intelligent and kinetic attacking soccer. Players who actually looked like they knew what they were doing. Even an otherwise absent Evander turned on for a few minutes.
Contrast that last phase to the preceding 70 minutes. No ideas, no execution, no life. It was fucking ridiculous. Yeah, Asprilla knocked in two quick ones, and that's awesome. But it also highlights an important feature of GioBall -- his, ahem ahem, "system" is 100% dependent on individual players making individual plays. Goals don't come through systematic application of tactics; they come from one or two players doing something great that cuts across the run of play. Ridiculous.
Fast forward to after Seba, Mora, and Yimmy got subbed in. All of a sudden, there was energy. Players doing dangerous things. Players running off the ball. Players attacking space. Accurate passing. It was fun and exciting and dangerous.
So let me get to my point. Of course there will always be an uptick in the quality of play when you sub on your three best players. No question. So when a team's best players aren't on the field, they should still be playing basically the same way, the same runs, the same passes, the same patters, the same vibes. But second string players just won't do it quite as well as the first string players. But we should be able to see that the players, first string or second string, are manifesting some sort of tactical vision, just at different qualities.
But that's not what happens with PTFC. The drop off is beyond drastic. It's like one group of players who can barely play soccer at all. And a couple players who are actually professional footballers.
I see two explanations (which aren't mutually exclusive). The first possibility is that Gio is a subpar coach, and what we saw in the first 70 minutes is the result of his inability to train and motivate players -- especially younger players. And what we saw in the last 20 minutes was not the result of coaching, but the result of high-quality veterans knowing how to play. That's one way to explain it.
The second possible explanation is that Gio is a great coach, and has the ability to motivate and train second tier and young players to play quality soccer, but the front office has given him basically uncoachable pieces. So what we were seeing in the first 70 minutes was total crap despite all of Gio's skills and charms - the players just do not have the agility to deliver.
I guess there is a third possibility, that my first and second scenarios are both true.
In any event, the gulf of quality is staggering and suggests a massive problem in this Timbers coaching and front office systems. Like I said, of course there will be a drop off in play when DPs are not on the field. But the team should still be able to give the appearance of caring and knowing the basics of soccer (passing, moving, etc) regardless of who's on the pitch.
Take for example players not supporting each other. It's happens all the time this season, and I saw two glaring examples during the first half. First was maybe around 20' or so. Bravo won the ball in on the defensive left flank, about even with the top of the box. He tried to dribble up field, but was closed down by three opposing players. There was not another Timber within 20 yards of him. Evander was the closest player was literally walking about 20 years away just staring at the ground. What the actual fuck. No other Timber player moved into position to give Bravo support or an outlet. About 10 minutes later the exact same thing happened on the right flank. In both instances, Timbers turned over the ball in their own third, and Columbus pivoted to attack. Insane.
I was absolutely furious. Particularly at Evander. He knows better, and gets paid too much to not care. I'm souring on his apparent on-the-pitch attitude, big time, but that's another topic. This is a fundamental, tactically and emotionally -- teammates support each other. It's soccer 101. So it's not like the B team is doing things, but at a lower quality. The B team IS NOT DOING THE BASIC SOCCER THINGS AT ALL. And that is a big fucking problem. And the buck stops with Gio on that one. He's unable or unwilling to hold players accountable for that kind of bullshit hangdogging.
One last thing. Yimmy Chara is not a DP. Holy shit, he couldn't hit the side of a barn. Don't let the door hit you in the ass...
So, great night at the Park. Had a blast. But no one should look at that think this club is out of the woods. I see it as the exact opposite -- a spotlight on the problems. Anyways, onward Rose City!
"The second possible explanation is that Gio is a great coach"
Oh damn, thank you for that, I really needed a good laugh this morning.
I know I'm biased, but I think your first explanation is closer to the truth, although "veterans know how to play" also definitely plays a part. He does have a few uncoachable pieces, for sure, but there's enough talent on the roster that they shouldn't be as consistently bad as they are.
"One last thing. Yimmy Chara is not a DP."
I've been done with him since the middle of last season or so, and last night was...oof. I know that soccer fans like souvenirs, but YC punting what should be a pretty straightforward goal into row X of the TA is just kinda who he is. It's rough.
"But no one should look at that think this club is out of the woods. I see it as the exact opposite -- a spotlight on the problems."
Saturday night was an absolute blast, for a lot of reasons, and it was nice to walk out of PP celebrating a win, but this is truth.
Would you be interested in resigning Yimmi if he were to be at the TAM level as opposed to a DP? I believe he is a valuable member of the team and would like to see him back, but not as a DP. From what I can see he contributes to the team playing better, but really struggles in finishing. If we move on from Moreno and Yimmi after this year we are completely bare at the winger positions (Blanco, Moreno and Yimmi would all be gone) with the sole exception of Asprilla.
I think YC could be a good 8, or even heir apparent to his bro at the 6, but at TAM level salary. Timbers will need to go shopping for a guy who developed as a winger.
Ding ding ding. I was going to say that yesterday when i saw others talking about yimmi and dp vs Tam. I see yimm as an 8. The problem is that he wouldn't be my preferred 8 over Paredes or a 6 over chara. But I would absolutely love to see him as an 8 in a 4-3-3. Unfortunately that leaves Evander on the outs.
I say that because I think Paredes is better defensively as an 8 than Evander. And I think Paredes, yimmi and chara all have a better work rate on the defensive side of play. Buy where does that leave Evander. He isn't a winger or a striker. So a 4-3-3 won't work.
The only other formation that would fit Evander and dropping yimmi back into a less offensive responsible formation, would be a diamond 4-4-2.
But playing a diamond 4-4-2 would move Moreno to the bench and that can't happen or we lose him.
That's why I am so upset about this team and didn't understand the Evander signing. And to be honest a lot of signings. This team is made up of a bunch of players that don't compliment each other in any way. Some are good at certain things that correlate to certain styles and formations but not to others.
It is just like we talked about on another thread. A winger in a 4-3-3 plays a completely different way to a "winger" in a 4-2-3-1. Same as an 8 in a 4-3-3 plays completely different from an 8 in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2. It's completely different. And the problem is that we have some wingers best used in a 4-3-3 (Moreno) and some best used in a 4-2-3-1 (yimmi) which is something people overlook. They think a winger is a winger and that's as simple as it gets. But it isn't. That's why Moreno isn't doing well this year. Compared to last year. Last year we ran a system that fit his strengths and this year we aren't because we are accommodating Evander as a 10, because the fo has been under pressure by the fans to replace Valeri. But the fo didn't take into account how that would effect other players. So now who do you accommodate. The new high dollar 10 (evander) you just bought or the young promising player? (moreno)
That's why Moreno said he doesn't like the system he is being asked to play. Because it doesn't fit his best attributes.
This team has been put together with the intellectual ineptitude of a Sunday league coach. With the most basic comprehension of the complexities of the game. Which makes sense since someone already said in a recent post that the Timbers have a non-existent statistical analysis team. It's Bush league stuff the Timbers are running and it is obvious.
It really is up to Gio to put this mish mash of players together. It's not like he's working with total slop.
A diamond sounds good. It would work with Evander, and he wouldn't have to work too hard on defense. You could play Moreno and Yimmi as 8s and Chara underneath them and control the middle. Maybe you give Chara a break and have Paredes spell him. As much as I like Paredes, you could take him off for Moreno. Deep down, though, the problem for me is Evander. This accommodates Evander, but I'd actually prefer Moreno as a 10 because of his speed, but whatever. Moreno could play an 8 and this would probably be all right. Start Boli and Mora up top; that would be nice.
I just don't see Moreno as a winger, especially in a 4-3-3. Maybe I'm missing something.
No. We've had multiple years to see what he can do, and I'm not interested in the Timbers committing even TAM money to him. We can get what he provides for a lot less than his cost this winter. The Timbers will have a ton of money and roster spots to play with, and YC's spot is one that Ned should be targeting an upgrade for.
I was opposed to the YC signing from the start, and I want the YC experiment to be over after the season.
I get you on that. I'm admittedly more forgiving on Yimmi, but totally agree that he hasn't lived up to expectations. I still think he is a good player and helps the team. If Blanco hadn't blown out his knee I think the two of them could have been pretty special. But I get wanting to draw the curtain on the Yimmi experience. It does feel like it didn't work out.
It was a signing that was done for the wrong reason(s). It seems like he was signed to help keep his brother in town, which, yanno, if you paid Chara what he was worth to the club (Yimmi makes TWICE AS MUCH as his brother! That's a crime!), it would have been a much more efficient way to keep him here and happy than having to commit DP-level wages to a player that never should have been at that level in the first place.
As Mr C says elsewhere in the thread, the Timbers seem to sign players that they think are good without any regard whatsoever for a system or a player's ability to fit into a style of play. They sign these guys and sorta hope for the best, and that "best" rarely works well for more than a game or two at a time. YC is a perfect example of that - I'm sure he'd be a good player somewhere, but in Portland, he doesn't fit whatever it is Gio may be trying to do (which, in YC's defense, is unclear and vague at the best of times), so he often just looks lost.
"So when a team's best players aren't on the field, they should still be playing basically the same way, the same runs, the same passes, the same patters, the same vibes. But second string players just won't do it quite as well as the first string players. But we should be able to see that the players, first string or second string, are manifesting some sort of tactical vision, just at different qualities."
I totally agree. Just simple stuff like checking to the ball. If it is coached that you are supposed to check to the ball at the edge of the box, then the midfielder won't get intercepted when he thinks you're checking (saw this with Paredes passing to Boli), but actually you are looking for a through ball. Or simply not moving along the edge of the box and remain rooted. That's my only complaint with Boli - he seems more like a reactor than knowing what the plan is, and that is on the coaches, 100 percent, to increase the odds of scoring and get everyone on the same page. At the same time, the instinctual part of the game is necessary, too, and that is what we saw with the two goals by Asprilla.
Great point. You put words to what I've been noticing a while. Players aren't on the same page, not making runs in anticipation of passes, etc. So yeah, there can be some instinctual moments of great play (see e.g., Asprilla's two goals) or some phases of great instinctual play (e.g., when Mora, Seba, and Yimmy were subbed on). But outside those instinctual moments, I feel like we're witnessing a failure of system, both coaching and scouting/recruiting.
Yeah I believe some of us on here have talked about these issues at length. I noticed it two years ago. Which is why my frustration with keeping gio has boiled over. He can't coach a system. He is a vibes guy and is heavily dependent on players making things happen. The more other teams spend and the more our talent can't keep up, the more gio's flaws will show.
Back to your point. Jim curtin was on MIB recently and he said they reconsidered how to build Philly 10 years ago. That a team of really well coached players can beat anyone. So youth development stepped to the forefront of their identity. Just buying players from overseas was not going to be feasible long term.
I loved that Outlook. And it's one we need to adopt right away. But we need a coach that can actually teach a system.
Less than 38% possession and an xG of 1.19 versus Columbus' 2.11. Talk about doing it the hard way but I thought the team was prickly and dedicated last night. Their press in the first half was smothering but, as usual, they can't keep that up. Still, very scrappy defense and what I thought was a good game from Evander. He may not be the #10 we were all hoping for but he's turning into a very serviceable #8 in Williamson's absence. Nice win. Let's hope it translates down the road.
"Prickly" - I like that. Good way to describe it. Also, Columbus had some good chances but so did the Timbers, especially with Yimmi and if Loria had crossed in earlier on the break, and the xG seems a little low.
Agree on the low xG, but maybe the statisticians know the Timbers haven't been able to hit the broad side of a barn in months? (LOL, I know it doesn't work that way).
I knew this was going to happen. My wife leaves for a trip out of the country for 3 weeks and is not able to watch any soccer games. In that time, the Timbers go 0-2-3 and the Thorns go 1-3, both playing some of the worst soccer I have ever seen them play. She got back on Friday and this is the first game she sees when she gets back. I wish I could have not seen the last 3 weeks, too. This game definitely took some of the bad taste out, though.
That was a fun night. Glad the team "brought it" for Valeri's swan song. I teared up a little during Valeri's speech.
The high press was disruptive and fun to see. A bit of a surprise on a 90+ degree evening. There was an intensity on the team that has been mostly missing for a long time. Effort and desire even if the tactics and coaching are utter trash. Boli's assist on the 2nd goal was magical. One nice goal for both teams and then 3 defensive breakdowns. Having Blanco score the winner on Valeri's night was pretty cool.
I still think that game was fools gold though. Too many unhappy and elderly players. We don't have a clear #1 keeper because of Ivacic's mentality (he should be a clear #1). What the hell is going on with Moreno is anyone's guess at this point after the Oregonian as much as admitted they published an unsubstantiated anonymous text exchange ... but then Santi stays in Colombia without permission? This is sort of like Asprilla 2.0 with the immaturity and wild-assed accusations that may or may not even be true. I doubt Yimmi and Mora regain anything near their former form (2020-21) this season. I hate transitions when you are letting the elder statesmen play out the string over a season or two .... and we are in season 1 of that right now, we still have to find a graceful exit for the greatest MLS Timber talisman of all, Diego Chara.
While it was a fun night, with 11 regular season matches left I would be shocked if we make the playoffs.
I'm with you on the Fools Gold statement. The Timbers played well, might be the best effort so far this season. Columbus looked better, and kept playing their way back into the game. I will say the Timbers should have won the game, as there were chances they also left on the field (Columbus did as well). I just don't know if this is sustainable.
One thing I really liked to see was Evander coming off the field with a smile on his face. I still don't think we have seen the best of him, and I think the pressure of wanting to be the player to elevate the team has been taking a toll on him. If he can just relax and play his game the results should come.
That's probably a better way to put it than how I was describing it to my friends as we were leaving the game, which was as a dead cat bounce (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_cat_bounce).
" Having Blanco score the winner on Valeri's night was pretty cool."
And watching Blanco and Nagbe swap shirts after the game was pretty great too. I'm definitely not shy about vocalizing my desire for Blanco to be done, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it when he does cool things like score a good goal as he's (hopefully) on his way out the door after the season.
One reason I love the legend of Dairon so much is because he grew up as a person as much as he met his potential as a player. I’m so glad the team gave him the grace to do this.
Usually after a big win the good feeling around the team grows into the next game. That isn't the case with this team, this year. I've been fooled into thinking the season will turn around before. There's an edge or uneasiness around this season, and the good feeling could evaporate as quickly as it came with a subpar effort in the next game. So, it remains to be seen if they can string together consecutive wins.
Reasons they can put a string of wins together:
1. They beat a good eastern conference team
Columbus is high in the table, is well coached, has star players, and they beat them. Chaos over system. It did not sit well with Nancy. He was glowering in the coach's box after the game. Whatever system is played, it always comes down to who has more energy, better execution within your own system, and the Timbers did their thing better than the Crew. However, there was one thing added to the mix this game that has been missing since maybe the Seattle game - and that is unselfish play: Zup's pass to Dairon, for example. Can they keep doing the chaos better than whatever the other team is doing? I think the answer lies in reason number 2.
2.There actually is way more depth now
Gio went for it by subbing out the whole front line at the 63 minute mark. It was a gamble due to the fitness levels of Blanco and Mora and Yimmi, but I like that he changed the game and dictated what he wanted to do. It almost backfired, you could say, but you could also say it almost resulted in a blowout win for the Timbers. The players he inserted at that time are proven veterans who have been key parts of the team that has gone to the highest levels in the league. Those are some great players to have available. Blanco, for example, showed why we were always a lethal counter attacking team. His ability to be an outlet and his pinpoint long range passing are not easily matched by other players on the team, let alone the league. Mora is as velvety on the ball as it gets, and he is going to be a huge boost to the forward corps. Yimmi is gonna bring it, too. I consider it a little rust or over anxiousness on his misses - so I'll give him a pass. Then, Gio subbed in some defense and it all worked out, even Mabiala, which was the biggest gamble (LOL). So, the point is, he can play a little chaos ball to screw with the system teams and take them out because he has the depth to do it.
Of course, there are lots of reasons to think the Timbers will revert to the way the season has gone mostly already, and there aren't a lot of games left in league and any slip ups will make it that much more difficult, so they will be under huge pressure the rest of the year.
A week or two ago I wasn't that excited about the Leagues Cup, especially the Timbers' chances against Tigres, but they actually have a squad now that might be able to at least get out of the first round. I'm thinking they may finally have some momentum.
When the Timbers return to MLS action they should be set to play well with the addition of Mora, Y. Chara, Araujo, and maybe even Blanco … Unless the team suffers another major injury during the Leagues Cup or training. Mora and Y. Chara should be able to go 90 minutes if needed by then. Araujo should be the top reserve at center back, and any quality minutes from Blanco will be an added bonus.
It still isn't nice to see that he has less than 2 minuets of actual running in him per game. He's almost stationary. He just can't move and it's obvious (when he came on it left Bravo on an island - he was alone on more than a couple 2v1 down the left side in the last 10 minutes because Blanco didn't even walk back until the Timbers got the ball and were looking to counter (he was moving then).
I'm not mad at him - his body is just pretty obviously not ready for competition (and it won't ever be again, most likely).
I give that as more evidence that he’s not in shape. I think the heat was also a big factor. He said he couldn’t breathe at the end of the game, that probably shouldn’t be happening to a professional soccer player after only 30 minutes, especially one who barely sprints on the field
Yeah, watching Blanco these days is getting to the "this hurts my heart" stage. He just doesn't have the physicality any more; he might build up more stamina as the season goes on, but that's only 11 more games (plus Leagues Cup). That probably isn't enough to even get him to 45 solid min, at the rate he's going.
I really liked watching Columbus in possession. Stark contrast to our (lack of) style. It’s good, attractive stuff. Though things didn’t go right on the other side of the ball, clearly.
I disagree. I thought they looked purposeful with the ball. They didn’t get jammed up at the edge of the box as possessing teams often do. They had movement and great timing on runs. It didn’t all come together, but I enjoyed it. Outshot the home team. Won xG. They completed attacking half passes at 80% vs our 62%, and final third 77% to 62%.
Yeah, I was just about to say that. Columbus had good ideas, looked like they knew what they wanted to do, and they executed their plan well, they just mostly didn't finish.
Wilfried Nancy is a good coach, and Columbus are clearly bought in to what he's doing. It was refreshing to see even from an opponent, after watching the Timbers do their thing for so long.
I shudder to think (in a season of multiple shudders) where we would be without F. Boli.
The work Boli puts in to win back balls is one of my favorite things to watch this season.
Vibes were high and ultimately that’s what took us through. Columbus out classed us in possession, they were able to cut us apart with ease. Shows what good coaching does for a team. But for Valeri night, we did what needed to be done (winning) and I can’t really complain.
Evander was pretty quiet in a number 8 role and was forced to do more defending, which he was actually not too bad at. Though I much prefer him higher up in a freer role. He’s got magic in the final third. Asprilla with two really composed finishes was really nice to see. Of course we all wanted him to get the hat trick, but I thought taking him off was the right move, he was barely involved in the second half. Blanco scoring the winner was very fitting and a fantastic moment, the game changed when he, Yimmi, and Mora came on (though in all honesty Blanco didn’t do much, he just hugs the sideline and doesn’t run, then when he gets the ball he’s immediately looking for a cross). I think we’ve missed Yimmi on the pitch, his defensive work, his technical ability, his speed, and... not as much his finishing. Really disappointed there, but everything else is a level above our other wingers. Paredes was great, which was good to see because he’s been a bit quiet the past few games. He struggled a tad bit in the first ten or so minutes but picked it up afterwords.
Moreno should hopefully be back next game, I’m hopeful things will work out with him. If anything to just keep Loria off the field.
Oh, and Boli’s first touch and pass for that second goal... goddamn. Quality. What a great signing he’s been, I’m a big fan
Columbus possession - Nagbe looks like a 25 year old out there. The guy still can out possess anyone. I loved seeing Paredes go after him, though. He doesn't back down from anyone. Paredes is so underated as a ball winner, sand in the engine kind of guy. He will muck it all up for the other team. He is probably not the guy you want to make the final third passes, but interestingly, he did a lot to keep plays going in the box that led to scores. He kind of did a lot of little things, in addition to his usual great defense. Glad we have him.
I bag on Asprilla plenty but those were really great finishes. The article says his second was a toe poke, but he tucked it in very well. I agree with you, though, that he needed to come off.
And, like you said, Boli should be highly appreciated for his work on Asprilla's second goal. He's been a good signing. It'll be interesting to see who rates in Gio's eyes moving forward - Mora or Boli.
It's funny you talk about movement, because we were talking about that at the game all night. I loved Nagbe when he was here, and I love watching him even more now, because that dude does not waste a single step. He's incredibly efficient with his movements, and he knows exactly what he's gonna do two steps before he does it.
It was delightful watching Blanco score; as much as I hope he retires after this season, he does have 15-20 good minutes a game in him these days, and I was glad to see his recovery pay off with a goal.
And then there's Y Chara. Good lord. Two gilt-edged clear cut chances, and...oof. The sooner the Timbers part ways with him, the better.
Overall, a decent night - one OK game doesn't change my GioOut-ness, because as others have said watching a team that's as well coached as Columbus was really makes me miss good coaching. But it was good to get a win, and it was so good to send Diego Valeri off into the night with a lovely tribute and a win.
Oh, and in the video they played before Valeri came on, we all discovered something else Lucas Melano can't do. He can't even lip sync right. Half-assed the tambourine and was mumbling random words...oof. Overall that was a really good tribute all the way around, though.
The tambourine always goes to the worst musician. He was like their muse, their Nico.
I was legit stunned to see him in that video. And also happy to see Zarek.
I may be misremembering, but that video has been floating around for a couple years. So I don't think that ensemble was put together to record for this specific event.
Any chance anybody has a link to it? I've been looking online for it and can't find it...
oh yeah, that was memed hard at the time. something with thought bubbles or something
Ah yeah, that makes a little more sense then. It just seemed like a very random collection of people in 2023, but if it's been around a while it's not nearly as random.
Wishing every match is Valeri Night is asking too much, but for all their faults the home team puts all the pieces together to bring them back from The Precipice. Not taking away from Asprilla + Blanco's efforts, Crew's second goal was slide-rule efficiency at work.
There was no one within 8 yards of either the passer or of Zelarayan when he was able to get that shot off. It was an amazing shot, not much Bingham could have done, but it never should have been able to be taken in the first place.
RE Crew second goal - Weak D by Evander, imo, and then covering him and exposing the next guy.
Yep, its fair to call out Evander on that play. Once the Crew player went by him he stopped tracking back and it was an easy play at that point. Credit on the shot, but Evander could have done better.
Yeah, weak challenge and then let's the guy go on by. At least ride him in and stay with him. Slow it down so others can get back.
Generally ok with Evander but he got bit on that one, and it should be noted that he has gone to sleep in latter stages of games on defense in the past. Also, he's playing the 8 now, it seems, and less of a 10, so he's going to need to embrace a little dirty work all the way through the match, especially with Blanco out there, or Gio will have to switch Paredes to that side.
Paredes was caught way up field, he was in line with Mora on the front line. He does a lot of work but he ventures way too high up the field sometimes (a lot of the time actually, but it’s usually from high pressing and he does it very well) and leaves a gap behind him. I don’t entirely blame Evander for being played (and miscast imo) as an 8, I really don’t think it benefits him or the team
Exactly, if Evander was way up field, we could rely on Paredes to slow that play down or win the ball outright.
That game had a good vibe, from well before the match among supporters, to the stands, to the body language in the pitch.
I guess next week v San Jose is a cup game and doesn't inform our place in the table?
Yeah, there's no more MLS play until late August at this point. My hot take: I hope Timbers punt this dumb cup competition and take the time to get rested and healthy, and to drill the mistakes out of the defensive players so there is more consistency to the defense.
Actually, I kind of hope they do go all in on Leagues Cup. Their up-to-this-point shitty season won't count against them, and it'd be nice to make a final in its inaugural year. More important, they've already punted the regular season. Only hope is to crawl into one of the two extra "participation trophy" playoff spots for crappy teams, which I'd rather didn't even exist. Seven playoff spots in each conference is plenty (and arguably too much already).
I can handle a league cup game loss better than a regular season loss - less at stake - so long as they put in effort and go down fighting.
Leagues Cup has been around a few years though, this is just the first season the entirety of both leagues will be competing in it. In the last few years 4 or 5 teams from MLS and Liga MX were chosen to participate.
Thanks, didn't know that, or forgot already. Guess it didn't make an impression. Anyway, it's a fresh start, and with all games on Season Pass, I'm sure many more people will watch, so why not make a good showing. Although perhaps the smartest thing would be to showcase Moreno, if he's really intent on leaving. Maybe could create some demand for his services and we'll get a decent offer for him. Or showcase Niezgoda, to hope against hope he can get something going to raise his market value from zero to something. That's probably not compatible with trying to win, of course.
Tbh I don't think it matters for players like niezgoda. His contract is up at the end of the year. So unless we extend it, we won't get anything from him. Especially if teams know his contract is up at the end of the year. Nobody would inquire about him because that would only tip off Portland to extend his contract and ask for a transfer. So if anyone is interested in the many players that will be out of contract after this year, they will just wait out the year before contacting the player or agent
Good point. We'll have to be satisfied by the money that becomes available when Niezgoda's contract expires, and it'll be just another failed Timbers DP signing. Another reason to go all out in Leagues Cup is because Miami isn't on the schedule this year, and may not be next year. I have no idea how the brackets will be set up, but if we and Miami can get out of their groups, and both keep winning (admittedly unlikely), we'll meet up eventually. That could be our only chance to see Messi against Timbers till 2025 (or ever, considering possibility of injury or rest).
Gio, being a tournament coach, will have a tough time not going all in. Not sure it will help much though as I can't imagine getting past the first round as inconsistent and mostly downright bad as this team has been all year ... then again 2 of 3 teams get through to round 2, so the bar isn't very high. We have the advantage of all home games in the first round though, but I can't imagine winning past that.
I also am unclear on the format once the knockouts start. Like USOC where a coin flip winner hosts? All of the round 1 games are played in the US and Canada (for example Tigres plays San Jose at San Jose in addition to us at Prov Park). Are the MLS teams going to travel to Mexico for round 2? Seems like a bloodbath in the offing - playing in Mexico mid summer.
Looking at the Wikipedia page for the tournament, it looks like the winner AND runner up in the Timbers' group will play at home in the round of 32. There's only one other group that is set up that way, the rest of the group winners will play their R32 game at home, and the group runners up play away.
Yes, but it’s San Jose.
Riiight. (Can't edit on mobile app)
A few thoughts. First, me and Jr had a fantastic evening at the Park. As others have commented, good vibes were through the roof, the TA was loud and proud, and it was great to give El Rey a final ovation. Oh yeah, plus an Asprilla brace, some 15 minutes of fun, attacking Timbers football at the end, and three points. Heck yeah!
But......
That game was a complete indictment of Gio and/or the front office. When Seba, Mora, and Yimmy were subbed on, we finally saw about 20 minutes of intelligent and kinetic attacking soccer. Players who actually looked like they knew what they were doing. Even an otherwise absent Evander turned on for a few minutes.
Contrast that last phase to the preceding 70 minutes. No ideas, no execution, no life. It was fucking ridiculous. Yeah, Asprilla knocked in two quick ones, and that's awesome. But it also highlights an important feature of GioBall -- his, ahem ahem, "system" is 100% dependent on individual players making individual plays. Goals don't come through systematic application of tactics; they come from one or two players doing something great that cuts across the run of play. Ridiculous.
Fast forward to after Seba, Mora, and Yimmy got subbed in. All of a sudden, there was energy. Players doing dangerous things. Players running off the ball. Players attacking space. Accurate passing. It was fun and exciting and dangerous.
So let me get to my point. Of course there will always be an uptick in the quality of play when you sub on your three best players. No question. So when a team's best players aren't on the field, they should still be playing basically the same way, the same runs, the same passes, the same patters, the same vibes. But second string players just won't do it quite as well as the first string players. But we should be able to see that the players, first string or second string, are manifesting some sort of tactical vision, just at different qualities.
But that's not what happens with PTFC. The drop off is beyond drastic. It's like one group of players who can barely play soccer at all. And a couple players who are actually professional footballers.
I see two explanations (which aren't mutually exclusive). The first possibility is that Gio is a subpar coach, and what we saw in the first 70 minutes is the result of his inability to train and motivate players -- especially younger players. And what we saw in the last 20 minutes was not the result of coaching, but the result of high-quality veterans knowing how to play. That's one way to explain it.
The second possible explanation is that Gio is a great coach, and has the ability to motivate and train second tier and young players to play quality soccer, but the front office has given him basically uncoachable pieces. So what we were seeing in the first 70 minutes was total crap despite all of Gio's skills and charms - the players just do not have the agility to deliver.
I guess there is a third possibility, that my first and second scenarios are both true.
In any event, the gulf of quality is staggering and suggests a massive problem in this Timbers coaching and front office systems. Like I said, of course there will be a drop off in play when DPs are not on the field. But the team should still be able to give the appearance of caring and knowing the basics of soccer (passing, moving, etc) regardless of who's on the pitch.
Take for example players not supporting each other. It's happens all the time this season, and I saw two glaring examples during the first half. First was maybe around 20' or so. Bravo won the ball in on the defensive left flank, about even with the top of the box. He tried to dribble up field, but was closed down by three opposing players. There was not another Timber within 20 yards of him. Evander was the closest player was literally walking about 20 years away just staring at the ground. What the actual fuck. No other Timber player moved into position to give Bravo support or an outlet. About 10 minutes later the exact same thing happened on the right flank. In both instances, Timbers turned over the ball in their own third, and Columbus pivoted to attack. Insane.
I was absolutely furious. Particularly at Evander. He knows better, and gets paid too much to not care. I'm souring on his apparent on-the-pitch attitude, big time, but that's another topic. This is a fundamental, tactically and emotionally -- teammates support each other. It's soccer 101. So it's not like the B team is doing things, but at a lower quality. The B team IS NOT DOING THE BASIC SOCCER THINGS AT ALL. And that is a big fucking problem. And the buck stops with Gio on that one. He's unable or unwilling to hold players accountable for that kind of bullshit hangdogging.
One last thing. Yimmy Chara is not a DP. Holy shit, he couldn't hit the side of a barn. Don't let the door hit you in the ass...
So, great night at the Park. Had a blast. But no one should look at that think this club is out of the woods. I see it as the exact opposite -- a spotlight on the problems. Anyways, onward Rose City!
"The second possible explanation is that Gio is a great coach"
Oh damn, thank you for that, I really needed a good laugh this morning.
I know I'm biased, but I think your first explanation is closer to the truth, although "veterans know how to play" also definitely plays a part. He does have a few uncoachable pieces, for sure, but there's enough talent on the roster that they shouldn't be as consistently bad as they are.
"One last thing. Yimmy Chara is not a DP."
I've been done with him since the middle of last season or so, and last night was...oof. I know that soccer fans like souvenirs, but YC punting what should be a pretty straightforward goal into row X of the TA is just kinda who he is. It's rough.
"But no one should look at that think this club is out of the woods. I see it as the exact opposite -- a spotlight on the problems."
Saturday night was an absolute blast, for a lot of reasons, and it was nice to walk out of PP celebrating a win, but this is truth.
Would you be interested in resigning Yimmi if he were to be at the TAM level as opposed to a DP? I believe he is a valuable member of the team and would like to see him back, but not as a DP. From what I can see he contributes to the team playing better, but really struggles in finishing. If we move on from Moreno and Yimmi after this year we are completely bare at the winger positions (Blanco, Moreno and Yimmi would all be gone) with the sole exception of Asprilla.
I think YC could be a good 8, or even heir apparent to his bro at the 6, but at TAM level salary. Timbers will need to go shopping for a guy who developed as a winger.
Ding ding ding. I was going to say that yesterday when i saw others talking about yimmi and dp vs Tam. I see yimm as an 8. The problem is that he wouldn't be my preferred 8 over Paredes or a 6 over chara. But I would absolutely love to see him as an 8 in a 4-3-3. Unfortunately that leaves Evander on the outs.
I say that because I think Paredes is better defensively as an 8 than Evander. And I think Paredes, yimmi and chara all have a better work rate on the defensive side of play. Buy where does that leave Evander. He isn't a winger or a striker. So a 4-3-3 won't work.
The only other formation that would fit Evander and dropping yimmi back into a less offensive responsible formation, would be a diamond 4-4-2.
But playing a diamond 4-4-2 would move Moreno to the bench and that can't happen or we lose him.
That's why I am so upset about this team and didn't understand the Evander signing. And to be honest a lot of signings. This team is made up of a bunch of players that don't compliment each other in any way. Some are good at certain things that correlate to certain styles and formations but not to others.
It is just like we talked about on another thread. A winger in a 4-3-3 plays a completely different way to a "winger" in a 4-2-3-1. Same as an 8 in a 4-3-3 plays completely different from an 8 in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2. It's completely different. And the problem is that we have some wingers best used in a 4-3-3 (Moreno) and some best used in a 4-2-3-1 (yimmi) which is something people overlook. They think a winger is a winger and that's as simple as it gets. But it isn't. That's why Moreno isn't doing well this year. Compared to last year. Last year we ran a system that fit his strengths and this year we aren't because we are accommodating Evander as a 10, because the fo has been under pressure by the fans to replace Valeri. But the fo didn't take into account how that would effect other players. So now who do you accommodate. The new high dollar 10 (evander) you just bought or the young promising player? (moreno)
That's why Moreno said he doesn't like the system he is being asked to play. Because it doesn't fit his best attributes.
This team has been put together with the intellectual ineptitude of a Sunday league coach. With the most basic comprehension of the complexities of the game. Which makes sense since someone already said in a recent post that the Timbers have a non-existent statistical analysis team. It's Bush league stuff the Timbers are running and it is obvious.
Round pegs, square holes
It really is up to Gio to put this mish mash of players together. It's not like he's working with total slop.
A diamond sounds good. It would work with Evander, and he wouldn't have to work too hard on defense. You could play Moreno and Yimmi as 8s and Chara underneath them and control the middle. Maybe you give Chara a break and have Paredes spell him. As much as I like Paredes, you could take him off for Moreno. Deep down, though, the problem for me is Evander. This accommodates Evander, but I'd actually prefer Moreno as a 10 because of his speed, but whatever. Moreno could play an 8 and this would probably be all right. Start Boli and Mora up top; that would be nice.
I just don't see Moreno as a winger, especially in a 4-3-3. Maybe I'm missing something.
No. We've had multiple years to see what he can do, and I'm not interested in the Timbers committing even TAM money to him. We can get what he provides for a lot less than his cost this winter. The Timbers will have a ton of money and roster spots to play with, and YC's spot is one that Ned should be targeting an upgrade for.
I was opposed to the YC signing from the start, and I want the YC experiment to be over after the season.
I get you on that. I'm admittedly more forgiving on Yimmi, but totally agree that he hasn't lived up to expectations. I still think he is a good player and helps the team. If Blanco hadn't blown out his knee I think the two of them could have been pretty special. But I get wanting to draw the curtain on the Yimmi experience. It does feel like it didn't work out.
It was a signing that was done for the wrong reason(s). It seems like he was signed to help keep his brother in town, which, yanno, if you paid Chara what he was worth to the club (Yimmi makes TWICE AS MUCH as his brother! That's a crime!), it would have been a much more efficient way to keep him here and happy than having to commit DP-level wages to a player that never should have been at that level in the first place.
As Mr C says elsewhere in the thread, the Timbers seem to sign players that they think are good without any regard whatsoever for a system or a player's ability to fit into a style of play. They sign these guys and sorta hope for the best, and that "best" rarely works well for more than a game or two at a time. YC is a perfect example of that - I'm sure he'd be a good player somewhere, but in Portland, he doesn't fit whatever it is Gio may be trying to do (which, in YC's defense, is unclear and vague at the best of times), so he often just looks lost.
The whole organization really seems to be throwing darts blindfolded, both recruiting and coaching.
They're not out of the woods by any means, but they are still chopping.
Just wanted to comment on your main point:
"So when a team's best players aren't on the field, they should still be playing basically the same way, the same runs, the same passes, the same patters, the same vibes. But second string players just won't do it quite as well as the first string players. But we should be able to see that the players, first string or second string, are manifesting some sort of tactical vision, just at different qualities."
I totally agree. Just simple stuff like checking to the ball. If it is coached that you are supposed to check to the ball at the edge of the box, then the midfielder won't get intercepted when he thinks you're checking (saw this with Paredes passing to Boli), but actually you are looking for a through ball. Or simply not moving along the edge of the box and remain rooted. That's my only complaint with Boli - he seems more like a reactor than knowing what the plan is, and that is on the coaches, 100 percent, to increase the odds of scoring and get everyone on the same page. At the same time, the instinctual part of the game is necessary, too, and that is what we saw with the two goals by Asprilla.
Great point. You put words to what I've been noticing a while. Players aren't on the same page, not making runs in anticipation of passes, etc. So yeah, there can be some instinctual moments of great play (see e.g., Asprilla's two goals) or some phases of great instinctual play (e.g., when Mora, Seba, and Yimmy were subbed on). But outside those instinctual moments, I feel like we're witnessing a failure of system, both coaching and scouting/recruiting.
Yeah I believe some of us on here have talked about these issues at length. I noticed it two years ago. Which is why my frustration with keeping gio has boiled over. He can't coach a system. He is a vibes guy and is heavily dependent on players making things happen. The more other teams spend and the more our talent can't keep up, the more gio's flaws will show.
Back to your point. Jim curtin was on MIB recently and he said they reconsidered how to build Philly 10 years ago. That a team of really well coached players can beat anyone. So youth development stepped to the forefront of their identity. Just buying players from overseas was not going to be feasible long term.
I loved that Outlook. And it's one we need to adopt right away. But we need a coach that can actually teach a system.
Less than 38% possession and an xG of 1.19 versus Columbus' 2.11. Talk about doing it the hard way but I thought the team was prickly and dedicated last night. Their press in the first half was smothering but, as usual, they can't keep that up. Still, very scrappy defense and what I thought was a good game from Evander. He may not be the #10 we were all hoping for but he's turning into a very serviceable #8 in Williamson's absence. Nice win. Let's hope it translates down the road.
"Prickly" - I like that. Good way to describe it. Also, Columbus had some good chances but so did the Timbers, especially with Yimmi and if Loria had crossed in earlier on the break, and the xG seems a little low.
Agree on the low xG, but maybe the statisticians know the Timbers haven't been able to hit the broad side of a barn in months? (LOL, I know it doesn't work that way).
Different sites have slightly different xG numbers. I remember on the broadcast they showed the xG for both teams and both were over 2, so who knows
I knew this was going to happen. My wife leaves for a trip out of the country for 3 weeks and is not able to watch any soccer games. In that time, the Timbers go 0-2-3 and the Thorns go 1-3, both playing some of the worst soccer I have ever seen them play. She got back on Friday and this is the first game she sees when she gets back. I wish I could have not seen the last 3 weeks, too. This game definitely took some of the bad taste out, though.
That was a fun night. Glad the team "brought it" for Valeri's swan song. I teared up a little during Valeri's speech.
The high press was disruptive and fun to see. A bit of a surprise on a 90+ degree evening. There was an intensity on the team that has been mostly missing for a long time. Effort and desire even if the tactics and coaching are utter trash. Boli's assist on the 2nd goal was magical. One nice goal for both teams and then 3 defensive breakdowns. Having Blanco score the winner on Valeri's night was pretty cool.
I still think that game was fools gold though. Too many unhappy and elderly players. We don't have a clear #1 keeper because of Ivacic's mentality (he should be a clear #1). What the hell is going on with Moreno is anyone's guess at this point after the Oregonian as much as admitted they published an unsubstantiated anonymous text exchange ... but then Santi stays in Colombia without permission? This is sort of like Asprilla 2.0 with the immaturity and wild-assed accusations that may or may not even be true. I doubt Yimmi and Mora regain anything near their former form (2020-21) this season. I hate transitions when you are letting the elder statesmen play out the string over a season or two .... and we are in season 1 of that right now, we still have to find a graceful exit for the greatest MLS Timber talisman of all, Diego Chara.
While it was a fun night, with 11 regular season matches left I would be shocked if we make the playoffs.
I'm with you on the Fools Gold statement. The Timbers played well, might be the best effort so far this season. Columbus looked better, and kept playing their way back into the game. I will say the Timbers should have won the game, as there were chances they also left on the field (Columbus did as well). I just don't know if this is sustainable.
One thing I really liked to see was Evander coming off the field with a smile on his face. I still don't think we have seen the best of him, and I think the pressure of wanting to be the player to elevate the team has been taking a toll on him. If he can just relax and play his game the results should come.
"I still think that game was fools gold though"
That's probably a better way to put it than how I was describing it to my friends as we were leaving the game, which was as a dead cat bounce (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_cat_bounce).
" Having Blanco score the winner on Valeri's night was pretty cool."
And watching Blanco and Nagbe swap shirts after the game was pretty great too. I'm definitely not shy about vocalizing my desire for Blanco to be done, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it when he does cool things like score a good goal as he's (hopefully) on his way out the door after the season.
One reason I love the legend of Dairon so much is because he grew up as a person as much as he met his potential as a player. I’m so glad the team gave him the grace to do this.
Hopefully it’s a similar outcome with Moreno.
Usually after a big win the good feeling around the team grows into the next game. That isn't the case with this team, this year. I've been fooled into thinking the season will turn around before. There's an edge or uneasiness around this season, and the good feeling could evaporate as quickly as it came with a subpar effort in the next game. So, it remains to be seen if they can string together consecutive wins.
Reasons they can put a string of wins together:
1. They beat a good eastern conference team
Columbus is high in the table, is well coached, has star players, and they beat them. Chaos over system. It did not sit well with Nancy. He was glowering in the coach's box after the game. Whatever system is played, it always comes down to who has more energy, better execution within your own system, and the Timbers did their thing better than the Crew. However, there was one thing added to the mix this game that has been missing since maybe the Seattle game - and that is unselfish play: Zup's pass to Dairon, for example. Can they keep doing the chaos better than whatever the other team is doing? I think the answer lies in reason number 2.
2.There actually is way more depth now
Gio went for it by subbing out the whole front line at the 63 minute mark. It was a gamble due to the fitness levels of Blanco and Mora and Yimmi, but I like that he changed the game and dictated what he wanted to do. It almost backfired, you could say, but you could also say it almost resulted in a blowout win for the Timbers. The players he inserted at that time are proven veterans who have been key parts of the team that has gone to the highest levels in the league. Those are some great players to have available. Blanco, for example, showed why we were always a lethal counter attacking team. His ability to be an outlet and his pinpoint long range passing are not easily matched by other players on the team, let alone the league. Mora is as velvety on the ball as it gets, and he is going to be a huge boost to the forward corps. Yimmi is gonna bring it, too. I consider it a little rust or over anxiousness on his misses - so I'll give him a pass. Then, Gio subbed in some defense and it all worked out, even Mabiala, which was the biggest gamble (LOL). So, the point is, he can play a little chaos ball to screw with the system teams and take them out because he has the depth to do it.
Of course, there are lots of reasons to think the Timbers will revert to the way the season has gone mostly already, and there aren't a lot of games left in league and any slip ups will make it that much more difficult, so they will be under huge pressure the rest of the year.
A week or two ago I wasn't that excited about the Leagues Cup, especially the Timbers' chances against Tigres, but they actually have a squad now that might be able to at least get out of the first round. I'm thinking they may finally have some momentum.
When the Timbers return to MLS action they should be set to play well with the addition of Mora, Y. Chara, Araujo, and maybe even Blanco … Unless the team suffers another major injury during the Leagues Cup or training. Mora and Y. Chara should be able to go 90 minutes if needed by then. Araujo should be the top reserve at center back, and any quality minutes from Blanco will be an added bonus.
Yes, it is shaping up to see a finish to the league season with some momentum on their side, and maybe a big move up the table.
I'd be really surprised if Blanco doesn't play a big role.
It was nice to see Blanco score a big goal.
It still isn't nice to see that he has less than 2 minuets of actual running in him per game. He's almost stationary. He just can't move and it's obvious (when he came on it left Bravo on an island - he was alone on more than a couple 2v1 down the left side in the last 10 minutes because Blanco didn't even walk back until the Timbers got the ball and were looking to counter (he was moving then).
I'm not mad at him - his body is just pretty obviously not ready for competition (and it won't ever be again, most likely).
and yet he was gassed at the end of the game. He lay down and he admitted he was gassed in the presser. I'd wager he ran more than you think.
I give that as more evidence that he’s not in shape. I think the heat was also a big factor. He said he couldn’t breathe at the end of the game, that probably shouldn’t be happening to a professional soccer player after only 30 minutes, especially one who barely sprints on the field
Yeah, watching Blanco these days is getting to the "this hurts my heart" stage. He just doesn't have the physicality any more; he might build up more stamina as the season goes on, but that's only 11 more games (plus Leagues Cup). That probably isn't enough to even get him to 45 solid min, at the rate he's going.
I really liked watching Columbus in possession. Stark contrast to our (lack of) style. It’s good, attractive stuff. Though things didn’t go right on the other side of the ball, clearly.
Let's be real. Columbus' possession was Nagbe doing his five yard pass stuff. Once he got it to someone else and couldn't get it back, they lost it.
I disagree. I thought they looked purposeful with the ball. They didn’t get jammed up at the edge of the box as possessing teams often do. They had movement and great timing on runs. It didn’t all come together, but I enjoyed it. Outshot the home team. Won xG. They completed attacking half passes at 80% vs our 62%, and final third 77% to 62%.
Good stuff, I thought.
I was thinking mostly about the middle of the field, RE Nagbe, and you are right, they had some good ideas in the final third, no doubt.
Yeah, I was just about to say that. Columbus had good ideas, looked like they knew what they wanted to do, and they executed their plan well, they just mostly didn't finish.
Wilfried Nancy is a good coach, and Columbus are clearly bought in to what he's doing. It was refreshing to see even from an opponent, after watching the Timbers do their thing for so long.
Was his top assistant also with him in Montreal? If so, there’s a good candidate for our next coach.
Looks like a few coaches came over from Montreal, Kwame Ampadu being the main assistant:
https://www.columbuscrew.com/club/technical-staff/Kwame-Ampadu
Intriguing.
Sam the Sham, the great philosopher once cried out, Wolly Bully, Wolly Bully! So, I will echo him -- Wolly Bully!!