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Portland Timbers

Claudio Bravo provided his second assist of the 2022 season on Sunday.
Portland Timbers

Timbers put playoff hopes in jeopardy with heartbreaking 2-1 loss to LAFC

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

Denis Bouanga is slick.

His hair is slick, his footwork is slick, and his touch is slicker than almost any in Major League Soccer. Since joining LAFC over the summer, only one thing has evaded him: a goal.

It was his 95th minute winner that made the difference, though, winning his team a trophy.

Match Summary

Gio Savarese gambled with his starting lineup against LAFC Sunday afternoon.

The Timbers gaffer selected Cristhian Paredes, Larrys Mabiala, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, and Juan Mosquera for the crucial meeting with MLS’ table-toppers over more established names like Sebastian Blanco and Yimmi Chara. Eryk Williamson and Zac McGraw had been regulars for the Timbers, as well.

Mosquera made his first MLS start after an impressive substitute debut in Columbus last game.

Portland created a few good chances to start the game, but LAFC battled into control of the first half. The best chance belonged to the visitors — Bouanga darted past Mabiala and Dario Zuparic, but couldn’t chip Aljaz Ivacic.

The game would always be defined by its second half, though.

Vela received a cutting pass from Kellyn Acosta. He took a touch, faked a shot, and perfectly placed one past the outstretched arm of Ivacic, who could only manage one hand on it. Bravo and Paredes failed to really pressure Vela, but that’s a moment he’s produced over and over during his time in MLS.

Portland took a while to respond. Savarese sent on reinforcements in the 74th minute (Eryk Williamson and Yimmi Chara), and they immediately got involved. Seven minutes later, the Timbers had their equalizer.

Claudio Bravo whipped in a cross for Dairon Asprilla, who smashed a header past Crepeau to make it 1-1. The energy was back. A draw or better for Portland felt inevitable.

But the Timbers never showed much bite after the equalizer. LAFC controlled the match, and were nearly rewarded with a penalty as stoppage time began. Thankfully, Ismail Elfath saw no wrongdoing on the part of Bravo.

Even with the break, Portland still never looked great.

In the end, LAFC’s talent won out. Denis Bouanga, a borderline star in Ligue 1, scored his first MLS goal with a weaving run through the Timbers’ right side of defense. He nutmegged Zuparic and slid his shot past Diego Chara, Bill Tuiloma, and ultimately Aljaz Ivacic.

Unfortunately, it was a sobering reminder of the wide talent gap in MLS, and that the Timbers aren’t the type of club to lure the biggest names.

Worse, it meant the second time in the past 10 months that a team not named the Timbers celebrated a trophy in Providence Park.

And worst, the Timbers could have clinched a playoff spot with a win. even a draw would have put them in a good spot. But the loss renders the final match at Real Salt Lake as a de facto play-in. The Timbers must get at least a draw from RSL, if not more.

Standings provided by SofaScore

Notes

  • Portland conceded Bouanga’s goal in the 95th minute after scoring in the 95th minute last week.
  • This is LAFC’s second Supporters’ Shield in four years.
  • Carlos Vela scored his 12th goal of the season. Asprilla scored his ninth.
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Santiago Moreno celebrates his game-tying goal in Columbus.
Portland Timbers

Moreno steals a point at the death in Columbus

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers played terribly against the Columbus Crew on Sunday morning, yet they still managed to fly out of Ohio with a point. The 1-1 draw was hardly deserved, but it’s an immense point for the Timbers as they jostle for a playoff spot.

Santiago Moreno’s 95th-minute miracle rescued a point for the hapless Timbers, who were without recent starting center back Zac McGraw due to yellow card accumulation.

Match Summary

McGraw was the only usual starter out, but it wasn’t the only lineup change. Dairon Asprilla had been playing center forward in Portland’s four-match win streak, but he moved to right wingback in this match as part of Gio Savarese’s back-five.

Both Asprilla and former starting center back Larrys Mabiala failed to track a darting Kevin Molino run in the 36th minute, allowing Columbus to take a 1-0 lead.

It was a deserved advantage for the home team, who had stifled nearly every Portland attack while patiently drawing out their defense. The Timbers mustered just three measly shots in the first half — none of which were on target.

Convincing enough for Caleb Porter and the Crew, who are still fighting for a playoff spot of their own out East despite dropping points week after week.

Columbus’ stars, Cucho Hernandez and Lucas Zelarayan, got their handful of chances throughout the game (registering seven and five shots, respectively), but never found the back of the net. Zelarayan did assist Molino’s goal with a lovely layoff, though.

Meanwhile, Portland’s Sebastian Bloanco looked off. He couldn’t generate more than one chance during his now-customary three quarters of gameplay.

Columbus had their chances to put the game away. One of them even found the net, though Derrick Etienne Jr.’s goal was immediately flagged offside by the thinnest of margins.

The second half was different than the first, but Portland still hardly deserved a goal. Eloy Room was heroic in goal for the Crew, stopping Yimmi Chara’s shot from the center of the box and Bill Tuiloma’s strong header off a corner.

Room’s biggest problem was Santiago Moreno. The diminutive Portland winger enjoyed a freer attacking role than his typical wingback position, and he created pretty much all of Portland’s chances on the day. There was his cross to Yimmi, his dangerous corner kicks, and, eventually, his goal.

It was a flukey goal, to be sure, but one Moreno and the Timbers will cherish. Tuiloma’s unaware headed assist surely added fire to the seething Crew faithful’s displeasure.

As of Monday, Portland sit fifth in the Western Conference on both points per match and straight points. 

Portland now face two of their biggest tests of the 2022 season to round out their regular season slate: hosting LAFC in the home closer before traveling to Real Salt Lake for Decision Day.

Notes

  • Portland committed 21 fouls to Columbus’ seven.
  • Diego Chara was subbed off the pitch for the second time all year in MLS play.
  • Juan David Mosquera made his Timbers debut, subbing in at right back in the 82nd minute.
  • Portland broke their four-match winning streak, but are still unbeaten in five since losing in Kansas City on August 21st.
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Dairon Asprilla celebrates his goal against Minnesota.
Portland Timbers

Timbers hold off pesky Loons for crucial 1-0 win

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

Nothing about Portland Timbers’ 1-0 Saturday night win over a depleted Minnesota United FC was easy.

The Timbers scratched and clawed their way to victory thanks to a Dairon Asprilla header off a corner kick in the 61st minute. They held on despite 20 total shots from the visitors to earn their fourth straight win.

The Loons were without two of their best players: midfielder Bakaye Dibassy and attacker Emanuel Reynoso both missed the match due to injury. This was Portland’s chance to put out a dominant showing; a playoff-caliber performance en route to three points could inspire confidence for the rest of the season.

The Timbers didn’t get the playoff-caliber performance, but they did get the win.

Match Summary

The first half was all about Minnesota’s Mender Garcia. The 23-year-old Colombian had four good-or-better chances in the opening 45, forcing two saves from Aljaz Ivacic and putting another two shots into the side-netting.

In all, Minnesota totaled 13 first-half shots. Claudio Bravo and Bill Tuiloma each saved a shot off the goal line.

Santiago Moreno struggled to settle into the game, as did Sebastian Blanco. Yimmi Chara was inconsistent on the ball, while Eryk Williamson provided his usual flare. But it was Mr. October who stepped up a month early.

Asprilla weaseled between Michael Boxall and Luis Amarilla at the near post, redirecting the fellow Colombian Moreno’s in-swinger past Dayne St. Clair for the night’s only goal. It was Asprilla’s eighth of the season and third in the last four matches.

Minnesota pressed on, but only offered one or two dangerous moments. Portland’s back line held together despite shakiness on set pieces.

In the end, though, who cares about the performance? Portland are temporarily fifth in the Western Conference.

Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore

Notes

  • During this four-match win streak, Portland have scored only one of their seven goals from open play (Zac McGraw’s tap-in against Austin was against the run of play, as well). It hasn’t always been pretty, but it’s winning games.
  • Ivacic made five saves and now leads MLS in total saves. He hasn’t stopped calling himself the best in the league.
  • Bravo had three tackles and continues to lead MLS in total tackles.
  • Zac McGraw is suspended for the next match due to yellow card accumulation.
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Santiago Moreno celebrates with an "M" after scoring his penalty.
Portland Timbers

Sanntiago Moreno shines in Portland’s third straight 2-1 win

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

Santiago Moreno is a star in the making.

Portland’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United was dominated by the diminutive Colombian wingback in the first half, and it was his penalty earned and scored that made the difference in the match.

An otherwise sloppy and sleepy affair, Portland put away two penalty kicks and held on for a crucial win at Providence Park on Sunday.

Match Summary

This was a sluggish match. It woke up toward the end of the first half, then stayed in a weird limbo after Moreno’s penalty. Speaking of Moreno…

Santi was all over the place in the first half. An underrated part of his game this season has been his ball recoveries up the pitch. Even in a wingback/midfielder role, Moreno’s been good at pressing opponents on the ball. He was Portland’s most dangerous player by far, sending crosses into good areas and creating more chances off the dribble.

One of those tight turns created a chance that ended with Santi being brought down in the box for a penalty. He stepped up to take it himself, and confidently buried it in the top left corner.

Even with a lead, the Timbers surrendered (mostly useless) possession to Atlanta for free. Luiz Araujo had Atlanta’s best chance saved well by Aljaz Ivacic, who didn’t need to do a whole lot over the course of the afternoon.

Diego Chara was fouled in the box by Santiago Sosa, and Dairon Asprilla scored the insurance penalty to put Portland up 2-0.

It was an odd way to score two of Portland’s most important goals of the season. A look at the table will show the Timbers clinging to the final playoff spot out West by the thinnest of margins.

Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore

Ultimately, Atlanta didn’t throw a whole lot at the Timbers. Josef Martinez didn’t make an appearance until the 62nd minute, and he didn’t get his goal until the 88th.

Portland may consider themselves lucky in that sense, because the Five Stripes will be the last non-playoff team they face all season.

The tactics seem to be sound by now. Portland’s hybrid back-three-sometimes-four defense utilizes the wingbacks’ abilities in attacking spaces (especially Moreno’s), while keeping their current three best center backs on the pitch.

Asprilla starting in place of Niezgoda has been useful, as well. Dairon offers more tactical flexibility than Niezgoda, and his constant energy is very useful in the high press.

Zac McGraw held things down on the back line, playing a full 90 for the third consecutive match alongside Dario Zuparic and Bill Tuiloma.

Notes

  • Juan David Mosquera made the 18 for Portland, but couldn’t play because his work visa wasn’t approved in time by MLS.
  • Giovanni Savarese was not on Portland’s bench — he was suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
  • Eryk Williamson also missed out on yellow card accumulation.
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Bill Tuiloma's sixth goal of the 2022 season gave Portland a first-half lead in Austin.
Portland Timbers

Timbers somehow scrape out a 2-1 win in Austin

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers exited last Friday’s landmark 2-1 win over their rival Seattle Sounders full of optimism (as they should have). The win momentarily moved Portland above the playoff line and secured the Cascadia Cup — possibly Portland’s only hardware of the 2022 season.

But anyone paying attention to Portland’s upcoming schedule might not have been so rosy. Of the six remaining games, only Atlanta United are situated outside the playoffs in the current table.

The odds were always stacked against the Timbers tonight. In Portland’s two previous trips to Austin, the Timbers lost by a combined score of 7-2. Those were against Austin’s expansion side, as well, a team that suffered a Western Conference-high 21 losses and second-worst 31 points in 2021.

That trend died midweek, as the Timbers somehow overcame a shot deficit of 26-14 to bring a crucial 2-1 win back to Portland.

** BUT FIRST! HERE’S YOUR REMINDER THAT THERE WAS A 2-HOUR LIGHTNING DELAY, ICYMI **

Match Summary

Austin flew out of the gates from opening kickoff, squashing Portland with relentless possession. Aljaz Ivacvic was forced into a big save early, but the Timbers found counterattacking daylight against Austin’s super-high lines, especially on corner kicks.

Despite countless missed opportunities on these counterattacks, Portland would eventually find their breakthroughs.

It began with Bill Tuiloma’s header off an Eryk Williamson free kick assist — his second in the past two matches.

MVP frontrunner Sebastian Driussi predictably retook the Golden Boot lead — it was his goal which brought Austin back into the match in the 79th minute — but like Seattle, Austin arrived with too little too late.

In a game where Austin bossed possession and kept the Timbers on the ropes (and Diego Fagundez created 9 chances), it was Zac McGraw playing the unlikeliest hero role, cleaning up a saved Williamson shot in the 73rd minute. It was one of Williamson’s five chances created on the night.

Speaking of Williamson, the USMNT hopeful has been involved in all of Portland’s last four goals (drawing the penalty against Seattle, the two free kick deliveries, and the saved shot for McGraw’s tap-in). Gregg Berhalter said Williamson would need to be at the top of his game for the rest of the season if hew was to be considered for a World Cup roster spot, and the 25-year-old midfielder is doing his best.

But despite the heroics of the Williamson-Diego Chara midfield, tonight’s flowers can only go to one group: the back line. The back-four of Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, McGraw and right-back Tuiloma only let five shots leak on target, with Ivacic making four saves (and the woodwork helping out a bit).

I doin’t care how many expected goals Austin had (they’ve been over-performing those numbers all year anyways). I don’t care how many times they hit the post. We know what this Timbers team is good and bad at by this point. All that matters are results.

And what a massive result Portland pulled off tonight.

Notes

Newest Timber Juan David Mosquera arrived in Portland in time for Seattle game last week and made the trip to Austin with the team, though he did not play in either game.

This was McGraw’s first MLS goal. That makes me smile.

portland now owns their all-time series vs Austin FC (3-0d-2). This was the first time a home team has dropped points in the series.

As with the last recap, Portland end the night just barely on the good side of the playoff line.

Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore

Next up, the Timbers host Atlanta United this Sunday. Kickoff is 2:55 p.m. on big FOX.

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Sebastian Blanco with his first Cascadia Cup since joining the Timbers in 2017.
Portland Timbers

Timbers 2, Sounders 1: Portland reclaim Cascadia Cup

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

It took some guts and a whole lot of nerves, but the Portland Timbers clinched the Cascadia Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders Friday night. This is portland’s first Cascadia Cup since 2017, and it had been held by the Sounders ever since.

Let’s get right into it. This match stuck out for so many reasons.

TA vs FO…again

Firstly, there’s the ongoing conflict between the Portland Timbers Front Office and its own fans. Whether or not you paid any attention to some Timbers Army Twitter drama this week, just know the tensions have never been higher following yet another report of foul play amongst Portland’s higher-ups.

The Timbers Army made it clear that they would not stop vocally and visually supporting Timbers players anytime soon, though. Another legendary tifo kicked off a heated match between North American soccer’s most bitter rivals.

 

The Match

Opposite of the typical game structure between Portland and Seattle, the Timbers controlled the run of play for the entire first half. Also opposite of the Cascadia norm was Seattle nabbing an early goal (a header from Yeimar) before sitting back to absorb pressure and send the ball long.

The Timbers’ offensive efforts (65% possession, 9 shots, 3 on target) did not go unrewarded, though; Eryk Williamson was taken down in the box in the 40th minute before Dairon Asprilla buried the penalty in the 41st.

Speaking of Asprilla, the Timbers switched things up; starting Asprilla instead of Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Zac McGraw instead of Larrys Mabiala in a back-three/five, and no Josecarlos Van Rankin at right back.

It was a series of bold moves by Gio Savarese, and they paid off.

Although Seattle came out of the halftime break on the front foot, Portland nabbed the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute via a Williamson free kick, Asprilla assist, and Sebastian Blanco finish.

Portland continued to press after taking the lead, but Seattle gained momentum with their substitutions (making three before Portland’s first).

The Timbers did not help themselves in closing out the match, squandering every chance they took. But as Raul Ruidiaz’ shot from distance sizzled wide in the eighth minute of added time, Portland had held on for a victory.

A tale of two tapes

This match was far from the top-of-the-table joust between LAFC and Austin FC which comprised the first half of ESPN’s doubleheader. Gareth Bale and Jordan Morris are very different players.

Once the match kicked off, it was an old-school MLS classic. The touches were sloppier and emotions ruled the game.

The Timbers and Sounders traded blows, and referee Ismail Elfath did not calm things down at all. In short, it was a classic Cascadia match.

And you know what? That’s ok!

Sam Stejskal, whom I respect very much, published an article this week outlining why MLS needs less parity (in short, more parity equates to a larger national audience). I’m oversimplifying his piece, which you should read, but it opened up a larger conversation about parity versus big-name clubs.

I’ll keep my point short: It’s an extreme example, but this game was the best defense you’ll find of parity.

Oh right, the standings!

This match was absolutely crucial for Portland. As I type this, they sit at seventh in the West.

Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore

But no matter what happens during the rest of this season, Timbers fans will always have this. A double over Seattle, especially after they won the Concacaf Champions League, is priceless.

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Claudio Bravo against Toronto FC.
Portland Timbers

Timbers can’t handle Toronto’s Italians, lose 3-1

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

Saturday’s match at Toronto FC didn’t just give gave the Portland Timbers a reality check on the standings.

The 3-1 result was a clear reminder of where the club stands in this current state of Major League Soccer.

Toronto have been the talk of the league since signing Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi over the summer; but their role players also shined against Portland’s aging veteran core.

Jonathan Osorio. Richie Laryea. Chris Mavinga. These were the guys that shut down what was once a fearsome Portland attack. Two goals in the past three matches will probably quell that expectation.

Note: Yes, I agree Mavinga should have been sent off for that challenge on Eryk Williamson. But we are stuck with the facts.

The Timbers know they won’t sign any big European stars. But they have been arguably the best team at playing within their resources over the past few years. When a team plays with a unified mindset……..

I’m gonna stop myself right there, because none of it happened Saturday.

Toronto dominated the first half, especially down Josecarlos Van Rankin’s defensive flank. They survived a few hard challenges and broke through in the 41’ after Laryea rounded Claudio Bravo (Portland’s best defender this year).

Sebastián Blanco’s hopeful passes over the top were useless when being chased by the sometimes-deceptively-fast-but-not-actually-that-fast Jaroslaw Niezgoda. Yimmi Chará had a few nice tackles but jogged pretty much everywhere.

And those were just Portland’s Designated Players.

Aljaz Ivacic was the only Timber who played exceptionally well. He made eight saves (six from inside the box) and continued to validate his claim as (one of) the best net-tenders in MLS.

Everyone else? Not good enough.

Portland genuinely composed themselves and played better to start the second half. Of all people, it was Van Rankin who finished Blanco’s flick to make it 1-1 in the 73’.

Six minutes later, though, Insigne provided his second highlight goal in as many games. Bernardeschi followed soon after.

Portland will only get lucky in signing a player of that quality — and that’s fine. It’s worked out well so far.

But a new era of MLS is coming, and when Portland’s pillars start to fall (I’m talking about Diego Chará retiring), it gets harder and harder to scrape out results — especially in the playoffs.

The TSN announcers threw out a really interesting stat near the beginning of the game for Portland: The Timbers haven’t won a game outside the Pacific Northwest this year.

It would have been naive to assume the Timbers would win this game, but the point stands: Portland have been dreadful on the road, and not good enough at home.

Something has to give. The Timbers have just one remaining game against an unserious opponent (at Sporting Kansas City in eight days). If they lose that, it would mean five straight games without a win.

This was Portland’s first loss since May, but the three home draws on that stretch all felt a little bit like losses. The 4-4 fiasco in St. Paul did too. So did the late collapse in Carson, if we want to go back that far.

I called Portland’s game against FC Dallas last Saturday a must-win. They scored an own goal in the 100th minute to make it a 1-1 draw.

Unfortunately, right now, that seems like it’ll stick out as the big metaphor for this season.

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Santiago Moreno against FC Dallas
Portland Timbers

Tragedy in the Rose City: Portland lose to Dallas 1-1

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

In perhaps the most important match at Providence Park so far this season, the Portland Timbers drew FC Dallas 1-1 after over 100 minutes of heart-pounding soccer.

Marvin Loria’s penalty rebound gave Portland a breakthrough 1-0 lead deep into stoppage time following a VAR handball called against Matt Hedges. Timbers fans and players celebrated as if the match were over — after all, the five original minutes were up by the time Loria pounced on the rebound.

But there was still one last chance for Dallas, and their equalizer came in the worst possible way. A corner kick in the 10th minute of added time found to Diego Chara on the near post, and Portland’s diminutive hero unwillingly flicked the ball behind him and into his own net.

It was as tragic as a draw gets. Diego was one of two Timbers returning from suspension, alongside fellow Colombian Dairon Asprilla. Claudio Bravo and Eryk Williamson each played partial matches after returning from injuries.

It was an imperfect but fitting ending to what was a nervous game throughout.

Both teams battled to a scoreless stalemate in the first half, though it was far from boring. The Timbers created more chances, but Dallas had the most dangerous one.

Paul Arriola sprinted behind Larrys Mabiala and beat Aljaz Ivacic in the 28th minute. Thankfully for Portland, the shot was denied by the far post.

The Timbers took the shot as a wake-up call, pressing harder and working the ball into the half-spaces of the 18-yard box. Their ground crosses were more threatening than Portland’s usual brand of aerial ones, but just as ineffective. Forward Jaroslaw Niezgoda registered just 10 touches in the first 45, none of which were shots.

Dallas came out with their heads on fire in the second half, while the Timbers looked wholly unprepared and under-hydrated. They grew into the match more as the pressure turned up, and the additions of Sebastian Blanco and Nathan Fogaca helped, but it seemed clear this was not Portland’s night.

Arriola suffered another near miss as Ivacic stretched a fingertip to his 1-v-1. Alan Velasco lost focus at the last second right in front of goal.

Until the 92nd minute, of course. It wasn’t until Ted Unkel’s VAR check that Portland really looked like they believed they could win. Even so, everyone’s blood pressure probably would have favored a scoreless final.

In the end, there’s really not much to analyze. Crazy sh*t happens in Major League Soccer.

What we can analyze now is the table. Portland are technically above the playoff line, one point above Seattle after the Sounders’ loss today, though they have a game in hand. In reality, Portland are dead-even on points per match with Nashville for that final playoff spot.

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Aljaz Ivacic after a big save versus Nashville SC
Portland Timbers

Depleted Timbers draw ‘draw merchants’ Nashville SC 1-1 at home

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

A Portland side without its first-, second-, and third-choice midfielders drew Nashville SC 1-1 in Providence Park on Wednesday. Considering the circumstances, it’s a pretty solid result, and one that keeps the Timbers in the thick of the Western Conference playoff hunt.

It shouldn’t be a surprising result, either, given both teams’ propensities to share points this season. This is Nashville’s ninth draw of 2022, while the Timbers have a league-high 11. These teams also drew 2-2 in Nashville a month ago.

Also, Nashville have drawn 35 games out of 81 tries since entering MLS in 2020. That’s over 43%, and has to be some kind of record.

Portland’s back five handled MVP candidate Hany Mukhtar & Co. relatively well, although the visitors struck first via a Teal Bunbury strike off an uncleared corner kick in the 20′.

Luckily for Portland, Santiago Moreno woke up on the right side of the bed. The Colombian youngster equalized seven minutes later in a similar fashion to Bunbury’s opener.

He was easily Man of the Match, completing 44 of 44 passes, winning half his duels, completing four of five dribbles and generally providing a creative spark for an otherwise boring Portland offense.

The only one giving Moreno a run for his MoTM money was Aljaz Ivacic, who had two massive saves to keep the Timbers’ heads above water.

Portland were heated at referee Silviu Petrescu in the first half, but were perhaps fortunate he didn’t call a penalty on Moreno tackling Mukhtar from behind (nor a foul for Marvin Loria running into the back of Alex Muyl) in the second half.

Both teams lost energy as the game wore on, and both conceded half-chances that could have been goals. In stoppage time, substitute Nathan Fogaca hit the side-netting after scrambling away from his defender.

A point is tough to swallow at this stage of the season, but win the must-win against Dallas on Saturday and the Timbers are in a really good position heading towards the playoffs.

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Juan David Mosquera arrives in Portland
Portland Timbers

What newest Timbers right back Juan David Mosquera brings to the table

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers have their new right back, and his name is Juan David Mosquera.

After a disappointing season from regular starter Josecarlos Van Rankin (and his backup, Pablo Bonilla, not yet playing at a high enough level), the Timbers went out and used their third Under-22 Initiative slot on a promising 19-year-old Colombian.

Who is this guy?

Mosquera is a 19-year-old from Colombia, where he will join four other Timbers (the Chara brothers, Santiago Moreno, and Dairon Asprilla) from his home country.

Mosquera, 19, joins the Timbers after spending three seasons at Independiente Medellín in Colombia. The Cali, Colombia native registered three goals and three assists in 59 appearances across all competitions. He made his professional debut at 17 years old on Feb. 7, 2020, against Patriotas Boyaca, logging a 90-minute performance.

Read the club’s full description, full of general info, here.

What’s his game like?

At 5’11”-160 lbs, Mosquera is virtually the same size and weight as Dairon Asprilla (5’10”-165), and that physicality is the first thing that pops on tape. He’s often the biggest, strongest, and fastest guy on the pitch in his clips. As Timbers fans already know, that can get you pretty far in MLS.

  • Note: The Timbers listed him at 5’9″ in one of their intro articles, but every other listing I’ve seen says 5’11”. Maybe it’s a typo on their end.

But there are two things that separate good athletes from good players: one’s decision-making and technical abilities.

Mosquera has some eye-catching dribbling highlights, but they often involve large swaths of open space in the opposing defense. That being said, he is really good at finding that space, and his decision-making seems really good for a 19-year-old.

There’s room to improve technically, but he does have some good finishes in his clips (there’s your deviation from Dairon, who was statistically the worst finisher in MLS for his first few years in the league).

MLS is a more technically skilled offensive league than the Colombian league. MLS incentivizes spending big on a handful of your players, and that money almost always goes to attacking players.

In short, I’m curious to see how he adapts to better competition. Playing against the oldest team in MLS during training sessions should help with that.

  • See the “how he stacks up” section below for more scouting report-type info.

Are we getting a good deal?

Mosquera’s contract runs through 2026, with a club option for 2027. This is in line with Portland’s other U-22 signings: David Ayala’s signed through 2025 with a club option for 2026, while Santiago Moreno is under contract through 2025.

The Timbers paid Independiente Medellin a reported $1.9 million transfer fee, while also staving off 2022 UEFA Champions League semifinalists Villarreal in the process.

We won’t know whether or not Mosquera is a “good deal” until he actually plays, of course — but on paper, this looks like a solid deal for Portland. 

How does Portland have a third U22 slot when we have three Designated Players?

Many of you are aware that MLS allows teams three U22 spots and three DP spots. However, as is the case with everything in MLS, there are a couple loopholes.

If a Club has a vacant third Designated Player slot, the Club will have available three U22 Initiative Slots.

If a Club elects to sign a third Designated Player, the number of U22 Initiative Slots would be impacted in the following way:

  • If the third Designated Player is a Young Designated Player, the club will have all three U22 Initiative Slots.
  • If the third Designated Player is age 24 or older, yet is at, or below, Maximum Targeted Allocation Money Amount ($1,612,500), the club will have all three U22 Initiative Slots.
  • If the third Designated Player is age 24 or older and is above Maximum Targeted Allocation Money Amount ($1,612,500), the club will have one U22 Initiative Slot.

via MLS Roster Rules

The Timbers fall under that second bullet point. I don’t really feel like explaining how. Just trust me on this one.

How does he stack up to the other guys on the roster?

Mosquera is bigger than both Van Rankin and Bonilla, and I expect him to be better.

 

It’s no secret Van Rankin has struggled immensely in 2022 after being solid in 2021. The Timbers reluctantly agreed to extending his loan through the end of this season at the July deadline — a move I would not have expected had they made this signing sooner.

I think the front office was also betting on Bonilla to be first-team ready at some point, but it’s clear his development isn’t on the trajectory they hoped. At 22 years old, there’s still plenty of room to grow, but I’d be shocked if Mosquera was anything but Plan A at right back heading into next season.

Wasn’t there another Mosquera on the Timbers at some point?

So glad you asked. Yes. Hanyer Mosquera was a center back for the Timbers in 2012. He returned to Colombia after one season due to “personal reasons” and ended up being a not-so-great guy.

Here’s to hoping this Mosquera turns out better!

When will he actually play?

Mosquera needs to secure his visa first. Gio answered this question the other day, basically saying “these things take time.” So no one knows. Not even the club. But I’m sure he will be with the first team as soon as he gets that visa.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m really excited about this transfer. Anytime a club like Villareal is willing to take a shot at a guy you’re getting (even if he’s not good enough for their first team) it’s a good sign.

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