Remember when the Timbers were a team that held the ball with lots of passes and scored goals off of double-digit passing buildups? I miss watching that team. It started with Porter then died under Porter and we've never been back.
I'd like to see the Timbers re-imagine themselves into a team with good, organized play and to always be a threat, even on their off days.
In my view it started happening under Porter during the "Pragmatic Period" and Gio just kept that version going (arguably making it more boring overall).
I still think there's something deeper than Gio's coaching going on though and even though I would be ok with a HC change, I don't think that solves all the Timbers' woes.
Unless Mosquera has serious jet lag, I'd expect him to start. He didn't play much during the international break and he's had plenty of time to get back. Also, I doubt Asprilla starts either as he's working his way into game fitness, and he might get 15 minutes. We'll probably see the same lineup as last week, except Ivavcic in goal and Mosquera at right back. I'd also like to see Ikoba get the start over Nathan. Ikoba looks like a threat. As I've mentioned many times, I'd rather see Williamson at the 10 and Moreno alongside Chara. If not, then they'd be better off as a 4-3-3 and Moreno and Williamson running an eight. I hope Williamson actually does something good this game. He's been a major disappointment. I really hope they get something out of this game, but it's more than likely they won't get anything unless the defense goes above and beyond, which its capable of, unless the midfield looks like a sieve.
I'd wager that after a whole year off injured, Ikoba is still probably on fairly limited minutes. I'm guessing he doesn't start (although I agree that it would be cool if he did, if only to see what he can do with it).
Not terribly hopeful for this game, playing in Dallas (the best of the Texas teams currently) during the beginning of the season with a still depleted squad… just about everything is going against us here. I expect a similar match as the Atlanta game, and hope to be surprised. We’ve been doing (marginally) better in texas so who knows!
I honestly don't understand why the Timbers struggle so much in Texas. "The heat" is a poor excuse, because other teams somehow manage to go to Texas and win pretty regularly. And also, the temp at game time tonight is supposed to be about 72 degrees, with no humidity soooo....not hot.
It's a very strange corner the Timbers have backed themselves into in Texas, and tonight I'd love to see them break the habit of just showing up and automatically taking the L.
I don't think you have! I think he'll be back with the team, but I didn't project him as starting as he just traveled from Japan - potentially even straight to Texas. Not sure what fitness level he'll be in. Could be wrong though!
He didn't play at all against Japan and Korea, so other than jet lag and sitting in a plane for a billion hours (which obviously is not nothing), he should be more or less rested.
Yep, he'd actually be better off starting to take advantage of the longer pre-match warmup time in what should be relatively warm weather. Sub later for him if he needs it...
Remember when the Timbers were a team that held the ball with lots of passes and scored goals off of double-digit passing buildups? I miss watching that team. It started with Porter then died under Porter and we've never been back.
I'd like to see the Timbers re-imagine themselves into a team with good, organized play and to always be a threat, even on their off days.
The day enjoyable soccer died was the day gio took over.
In my view it started happening under Porter during the "Pragmatic Period" and Gio just kept that version going (arguably making it more boring overall).
I still think there's something deeper than Gio's coaching going on though and even though I would be ok with a HC change, I don't think that solves all the Timbers' woes.
Unless Mosquera has serious jet lag, I'd expect him to start. He didn't play much during the international break and he's had plenty of time to get back. Also, I doubt Asprilla starts either as he's working his way into game fitness, and he might get 15 minutes. We'll probably see the same lineup as last week, except Ivavcic in goal and Mosquera at right back. I'd also like to see Ikoba get the start over Nathan. Ikoba looks like a threat. As I've mentioned many times, I'd rather see Williamson at the 10 and Moreno alongside Chara. If not, then they'd be better off as a 4-3-3 and Moreno and Williamson running an eight. I hope Williamson actually does something good this game. He's been a major disappointment. I really hope they get something out of this game, but it's more than likely they won't get anything unless the defense goes above and beyond, which its capable of, unless the midfield looks like a sieve.
I'd wager that after a whole year off injured, Ikoba is still probably on fairly limited minutes. I'm guessing he doesn't start (although I agree that it would be cool if he did, if only to see what he can do with it).
New site new names awwww yeeeehhhhh
Not terribly hopeful for this game, playing in Dallas (the best of the Texas teams currently) during the beginning of the season with a still depleted squad… just about everything is going against us here. I expect a similar match as the Atlanta game, and hope to be surprised. We’ve been doing (marginally) better in texas so who knows!
Was just seeing what old Adi has been up to, and as of February he is head coach of Minnesota's U19 squad.
I honestly don't understand why the Timbers struggle so much in Texas. "The heat" is a poor excuse, because other teams somehow manage to go to Texas and win pretty regularly. And also, the temp at game time tonight is supposed to be about 72 degrees, with no humidity soooo....not hot.
It's a very strange corner the Timbers have backed themselves into in Texas, and tonight I'd love to see them break the habit of just showing up and automatically taking the L.
Testing. Not optimistic but at least I was able to watch a good match this morning with the Thorns.
Hey Sam, I like the new digs! I thought we had Mosquera back for the FC Dallas game. Am thinking I missed something...?
I don't think you have! I think he'll be back with the team, but I didn't project him as starting as he just traveled from Japan - potentially even straight to Texas. Not sure what fitness level he'll be in. Could be wrong though!
And thanks! Happy you're here!
He didn't play at all against Japan and Korea, so other than jet lag and sitting in a plane for a billion hours (which obviously is not nothing), he should be more or less rested.
Yep, he'd actually be better off starting to take advantage of the longer pre-match warmup time in what should be relatively warm weather. Sub later for him if he needs it...