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Portland Timbers

Portland Timbers

Timbers prepare for FC Dallas amid busy week

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

Soccer is a funny sport. Trying to understand the different competitions and scenarios teams find themselves is damn-near impossible for those who are solely accustomed to American franchise models.

So when I tell you the Timbers have a match in Frisco, Texas sandwiched between two games against the biggest club in North America, just know that it’s a very unique time to be a Timbers fan. It’s not every day you get to see your club embark on these types of journeys.

  • Matchup: Portland Timbers @ FC Dallas
  • Location: Totota Park; Frisco, TX, USA
  • Broadcast: 5pm PT; FOX 12 Plus (or ESPN+)

No matter how many times Giovanni Savarese says the Timbers are “completely focused on FC Dallas” I still hesitate to believe anything but Mexico City is on the players’ minds.

Forgive me for looking ahead to a midweek date at the most formidable and historic stadium on this continent—one that will typically suffocate players with crowd noise before the smog and 7,200-foot elevation kick in. One where the Hand of God and some guy named Pele once graced the pitch. No, I’m not talking about Toyota Stadium.

A trip to Estadio Azteca will be looming in the back of everyone’s head as the Timbers match up against FC Dallas, and for good reason. Even without fans, it will easily be the most historic venue the club has ever played in.

Club América supporters have not gone unheard, as a raucous performance at Providence Park ensured. The match itself was ferocious as well, with a pair of penalty kicks providing the only scoring in a 1-1 draw for the ages.

Scouting FC Dallas

Unlike their Texan counterparts, FC Dallas roll with a 3-4-3 formation. Their back-three of José Antonio Martinez, Matt Hedges, and Bressan held Colorado to a scoreless draw in Week 1 before conceding three before the hour-mark in San Jose last weekend.

FCD’s two starting lineups have been almost identical, with Tanner Tessman starting (and struggling) in the midfield against the Quakes over Andres Ricuarte. John Nelson has been on the left and Ryan Hollingshead on the right in wingback roles, while Bryan Acosta holds down the middle alongside one of Tessman, Ricuarte, or Paxton Pomykal.

New attackers Jader Obrian and Freddy Vargas flank Designated Player Francisco Jara up top. Don’t forget about 18-year-old Ricardo Pepi, whose late equalizer helped send Portland packing early from the playoffs last year.

Dallas’ only goal this season was a consolation from Ricardo Pepi. They have looked like one of the most disappointing teams of the season through two weeks of MLS, and that’s saying a lot.

What’s more, their starting goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer strained his shoulder and came out after the third goal last Saturday. Backup Grêmio loanee Phelipe (22 years old) logged a save in the last half-hour, but the match was already over by the time he got in.

Rotation, rotation, rotation…

Portland prepared for the first leg by playing a heavily rotated squad against Houston Dynamo FC last Saturday. An early goal from Dairon Asprilla and Cristhian Paredes’ redemptive strike earned Portland a hard-fought three points in that match, and they will seek to do the same against Dallas.

Portland’s lineup from the Houston match on April 24th

The only players who played full 90s in both of the last two games are Claudio Bravo and Diego Chará. Dairon Asprilla, Larrys Mabiala, Yimmi Chará, Dario Župarić, Diego Valeri, Eryk Williamson, José van Rankin, and Felipe Mora are the other regular starters who played in the Houston match and logged at least 70 minutes against Club América.

For those keeping track, that’s all ten starting field players—not counting Sebastián Blanco and Jeremy Ebobisse, who are both set to make their returns soon. In a press conference Friday, Giovanni Savarese updated the statuses of the two aforementioned:

As you can see, Gio also offered an update on Cristhian Paredes after his nasty-looking injury against his former club. The injury and timeline are not as bad as we might have thought, but it still tests that midfield depth Portland has been touting all offseason.

Andy Polo will finally return to the pitch after being stuck with a tough quarantine timeline coming back from Peru. He has been working with a personal trainer in the meantime, but getting back into the groove with a full squad will be extremely valuable.

Backup left-back Isamaila Jome is out for the season with a torn left Achilles. Jarosław Niezgoda will not make his return until mid-June. In a year where depth was the name of the game, Portland find themselves almost thin in some key spots.

So what will the XI look like in Frisco? Here’s my best shot:

My prediction for Portland’s lineup against FC Dallas

Let’s start with the defense. Župarić is suspended for the second leg because of yellow card accumulation, so he’ll probably go for a full 90 in this one. Bill Tuiloma will have to step up in Dario’s absence Wednesday, so he probably gets a rest. I doubt that we’ll see Bill for more than a few minutes (if at all) on Saturday—meaning it’s time for Zac McGraw to make his first team debut! The 6’4″-205 lb. West Point grad was drafted 68th overall by Portland in the third round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.

Van Rankin was billed as a guy who can play on either side of defense, so Bravo will likely get a rest after two tough 90s in the last four days. I would expect the same from Diego Chará except for the fact that he’s Diego Chará. In a recent press conference, Gio said Diego is “capable of managing himself” in terms of output. Also, we don’t exactly have another backup midfielder now that Paredes is out. Maybe Chará or Renzo Zambrano end up splitting time with Eryk Williamson.

Yimmi and Valeri split time at the #10 spot last week, so assuming Blanco is still out that’s what I’ll expect again. Andy Polo should provide a much-needed break for Dairon Asprilla on the left (even if he can only go for a half), while Loría and Bodily will probably start in the same spots they did last weekend. Depending on Ebobisse’s unclear availability, he may start or at least substitute his way into some minutes.

Prediction Time!

All of this is to say that we don’t know what to expect from the Timbers this weekend. If they can use a rotated squad to beat the team that beat San Jose, then in theory they can beat the team that lost to them.

In terms of how this matchup will make sense tactically, it’s really not worth going over. Portland’s squad rotation may be met with dissatisfaction and rotation from Dallas, as well. So, just like last week, this will be a good ol’ fashioned MLS match, full of unpredictability and zeal.

The Oregon SportsBook has Portland as +235 underdogs, with the home side at +115 and a draw at +255.

Here’s what we do know: Portland will probably be playing a bunch of B-teamers, and Dallas are playing like a B-team (that will also have its B-team ‘keeper).

I’m tempted to throw out a Timbers win, but I really think Dallas will see a rare opportunity to pounce on a depleted squad for points. I’ll go with a 1-1 draw, with Bodily getting his first career goal and Jara opening his 2021 account.

Follow @doublepostpod for total coverage of tonight’s match (and every match!), including our postgame reaction podcast later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

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Portland Timbers

Timbers stun Club América with 97th-minute equalizer

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

Portland’s first Concacaf Champions League knockout stage tie

The first half-chance went to Felipe Mora, who couldn’t control a ball over his head from Dairon Asprilla in the 3′. Mora earned the first caution of the match in the 18′.

The first shot of the match didn’t come until the 20′, as América’s Mauro Laínez scuffed an ambitious effort well wide. José Martínez fired a much better shot in the 23′ that forced Jeff Attinella into a tough save down to his right.

In the first half, Portland struggled to create quick buildup play when they did win the ball back from Club América.

América’s right winger, Leonardo Suárez, received a yellow card in the 33′ for a little extra contact thrown at Dairon Asprilla.

Speaking of contact, América center back Sebástian Cáceres could have received a yellow of his own for heading Mora in the, well, head in the 38′. Dario Župarić would receive one in the 40′ for a rough challenge on Suárez, and he will be suspended for the second leg in Mexico City.

The decisive moment came just before halftime. Claudio Bravo lunged in on Richard Sánchez and missed the ball, giving up an ultra-costly penalty in the process.

Roger Martínez calmly slid the penalty past Attinella and América had a massive 1-0 lead in Providence Park.

Portland’s energy was demonstrably better to start the second half, and it nearly culminated in a worldie from Dairon Asprilla in the 50′.

Yimmi Chará would lift the ball over Memo Ochoa in the 57′, but his effort drifted just wide of the far post.

The game was getting extremely physical in the second half. Players were flying into challenges all-out and giving it their all. The result was nine total yellow cards, with

Portland’s pressure simmered down as the second half wore on, but the intensity continued to rise. Substitutions ca

And then, as the game was literally seconds from ending…a gift.

A scramble in the box produced a handball penalty. Felipe Mora put it in the same corner as Martínez and the match was square at one apiece.

Maybe the most competitive and entertaining night of soccer so far this year (in this hemisphere) ended with flashes, bangs, and a late goal.

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Portland Timbers

Expectations and Predictions: Timbers vs Club América Leg 1

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers will host Mexican giants Club América at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 28th in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals.

Few opportunities to play a team of this magnitude are afforded in the history of a club. Timbers fans (and players) are approaching the fixture with uncertainty—Portland find themselves underdogs, even at home, against the biggest club in North America.

The Visitors

Club América are currently second in Liga MX and are the only ones within a sniff of Cruz Azul, who haven’t lost a match since January. In fact, América are one of only two teams that have won a single point from Cruz Azul during that span.

Cruz Azul beat Toronto 3-1 last night, but let’s get back to América. They were recently on an eight-match win streak, not including a 1-0 second leg loss to CD Olimpia which saw them advance from the CCL Round of 16. The aforementioned draw against the league leaders followed, but their latest result is intriguing.

América fell behind 2-0 to Toluca inside 11 minutes, and try as they might to break their opponents’ defense, they managed only three shots on target. An early second half VAR penalty drew them one step closer to getting back in the match, but they could never build up enough momentum to overcome Toluca, who would seal the match with a counterattack goal in the 73′.

América are most often in a 4-2-3-1. Roger Martínez has been the starting striker for the past year or so, and his 13 non-penalty goals in 21 starts make him América’s top scorer. But a recent injury has given others, such as Henry Martín, a shot at the starting job, and there has been an ongoing debate about who deserves the spot. (Martínez started against Toluca and struggled.)

If there was ever a time to be facing América, this is it. The team is having some internal issues with manager Santiago Solari, who is keen to only play his starters and a select few others. Additionally, many players are not as enthusiastic about the Champions League as usual.

Club América’s 23-year-old playmaker Sebastián Córdova will be unavailable for the first leg, which is a huge loss for them.

Pedro Aquino and Richard Sanchez are the central midfielders, with Álvaro Fidalgo playing in front of them as another creator. Mauro Laínez may flank the left side, while Martín could fill in on the right for Córdova.

In defense, Club América’s center backs may be exploitable. Sebástian Cáceres and Emanuel Aguilera are not the speediest, and they may lack the depth to stifle Portland’s dynamic attackers.

The Timbers

Onto the Timbers. Portland got their first MLS win against the Dynamo last Saturday, although it wasn’t always easy. The Dynamo exploited Portland’s left back, Claudio Bravo, quite a bit in the first half. The Timbers adjusted well after halftime, but if Tyler Pasher can give Portland fits, I’m sure Laínez and Martín can, too.

The Timbers are still without Jarosław Niezgoda and Jeremy Ebobisse, and Sebastián Blanco is listed as “doubtful” after Giovanni Savarese said he was “not as close [to returning] as we expected.” Starting goalkeeper Steve Clark is still out after leaving the Vancouver match early with a left thigh strain, but Jeff Attinella is a serviceable replacement.

https://twitter.com/doublepostpod/status/1387153958121050116?s=21

I expect the starting XI to be the same as it has been.

It’s worth noting Jose Van Rankin has experience against this team, having played in Liga MX for years. Hopefully his sage presence will guide the back line, since this isn’t an area of overconfidence for me right now.

But as long as Portland can defend set pieces, they should be fine. Both goals they’ve conceded in MLS have been from corner kicks.

Prediction

Overall, this squad is ready to pounce on an opportunity, and I think this is it. Racking up goals now is also important considering a trip to Estadio Azteca is looming in the second leg.

My prediction is one of the boldest I’ve had as a Timbers writer: give me a 3-0 win for the Boys in Green. Felipe Mora will score one of them.

Follow @doublepostpod for total coverage of tonight’s match (and every match!), including our postgame reaction podcast later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

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Portland Timbers

Timbers hold off Dynamo for first MLS win of 2021

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

It wasn’t always comfortable, but the Portland Timbers held on for a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in Providence Park on Saturday night.

Cristhian Paredes celebrates with Felipe Mora. Photo via Portland Timbers (used with permission)

Cristhian Paredes redeemed himself from an own goal to score the winner ahead of a reunion with his former club on Wednesday.

Coming off a tough 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps in Week 1, the Timbers redeemed themselves with a solid home performance against Houston’s A-team.

Gio Savarese went with a rotated squad for this match with a midweek meeting against Mexican giants Club América awaiting on Wednesday.

Homegrown player Blake Bodily started at center forward in his MLS Regular Season debut and struggled to get touches, though he did make a few good runs. Felipe Mora would replace him in the 59′.

“It was definitely a little different…playing up top is certainly not my first position,” said Bodily. “I think I did an OK job but I think I can improve.”

The night was sadly underscored by the passing of Diego Valeri’s father, Luis. The emotions of the night were felt by more than just El Maestro.

Match Recap

It wouldn’t take long for the Timbers to strike first, as Dairon Asprilla guided a Pablo Bonilla cross into the side-netting from the penalty spot in the sixth minute. Asprilla ran straight to the bench to celebrate with Diego Valeri after the opener.

Houston had a chance of their own in the 16′, but Fafa Picault’s shot from the top of the box went wide.

Houston tied the match in the 28′ when Cristhian Paredes mistakenly flicked a Tyler Pasher cross past Jeff Attinella off a short corner kick. It originally looked like Houston’s Boniek Garcia got the touch, but replay confirmed it hit Paredes.

Pasher was besting Bravo on Houston’s right flank in the first half, beating him twice before recording his second assist in as many MLS starts (see above).

Urruti was greeted with jovial jeers after tactically fouling Marvin Loría and receiving a yellow card. He had 15 goals in 28 MLS starts as a Portland Timber from 2013-15.

Diego Valeri and Dario Župarić swapped in for Yimmi Chará and Larrys Mabiala at halftime. Usual starters for usual starters makes sense for saving minutes; this was probably predetermined.

Things got spicy five minutes into the second half when Bonilla accidentally elbowed (hopefully) Picault in the face. No cards were given, but a foul was called on Bonilla.

A similar incident followed in the 54’—Bonilla caught another player in a similar way. Tempers would continue to flare, as a late Ismail Elfath foul call on Župarić caused a ruckus in midfield.

Tuiloma missed a great offensive set piece chance in the 69′, but the breakthrough would have to wait.

Three minutes later, Tuiloma would assist Paredes’ revenge—lumping the ball up to Felipe Mora, who headed it perfectly into the path of Cristhian Paredes to smash home. 2-1 Timbers with ~20 minutes to go? Let’s go.

In the shadow of the smoke, Williamson replaced Loría as Portland’s fourth sub of the match. Van Rankin replaced Bonilla in the 82′ to round out Gio’s swaps for the night.

Even with the 2-1 lead, Portland still looked vulnerable; giving balls away in their own third, wasting possessions, and nearly allowing Pasher to slide a in for a goal in the 85′.

Portland were not without their chances. Multiple counterattack opportunities went begging, with the 87′ Mora-to-Valeri fastbreak being the most dangerous. Valeri’s shot flew over the bar, and Asprilla’s effort would too a couple minutes later. Right on time another two minutes later (90 + 1′ by now), Van Rankin’s darting run and fantastic one-two with Mora produced yet another skied shot.

Asprilla nearly assisted a Mora goal in the 90 + 2′ but the pass drifted half a step too far. Nevertheless, the final whistle sounded like a crowd (with real fans!) enjoying Portland’s first MLS points of 2021.

Other Notes & Quotes

Asprilla was his usual self, including the goal:

  • Made a brilliant move to get past Adam Lundkvist before committing a caution-worthy foul a minute later in the first half.
  • Engaged in a few noteworthy clashes with Zarek Valentin on the other side of the box.
  • A header at the back post struck right to Marko Maric.
  • Nearly curling a great solo effort into the corner—slipped instead.
  • Bolting down the left side deep into the game and beating Houston’s whole midfield before poking Valentin in the face for a foul.

Portland registered 23 shots with five being on target, while Houston totaled only 10 and three, respectively.

Gio explicitly mentioned the impressiveness of the win with squad rotation, specifically with “having [Paredes’] fresh legs” next to Diego Chará in the midfield.

Last but not least, I found this at the end of the night. Enjoy.

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Portland TimbersUncategorized

Expectations & Predictions: Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers step into tonight’s match with high expectations. Last week, an MLS-season-opening loss to Cascadia rivals Vancouver dampened the excited mood for the season, albeit without usual starters Sebastián Blanco and Jeremy Ebobisse.

This week Portland face another team that reached a surprise result in week one: the Houston Dynamo, who beat San Jose 2-1 behind a match-winning goal from former Timber Maximiliano Urruti. The Dynamo and head coach Tab Ramos ran a 4-3-3-ish formation that conceded 60% of possession to the Earthquakes. But more on that later.

Urruti will be flanked up top by Tyler Pasher on the left (who put up .89 goals plus assists per 90 in the USL Championship last season and assisted Urruti’s goal last week) and Fafa Picault on the right (who struggled mightily on a last-place Houston squad last season). Ariel Lassiter, Darwin Quintero, and Christian Ramirez may offer attacking support off the bench.

Liga MX vet Joe Corona and third-year Dynamo man Matias Vera are the holding mids, while #8 Memo Rodriguez usually pushes a little higher up to create the bulk of chances (sound familiar?). Memo scored the opener last week for Houston with some great 1v1 skill after Houston’s high press forced a turnover.

The back line consists of left-back Adam Lundqvist, MLS vets Boniek Garcia and Tim Parker in the middle, and (another) former Timber Zarek Valentin on the right. Goalkeeper Marko Maric had three clean sheets in 23 games last season.

There have been questions about squad rotation as the Timbers host Club América in the Concacaf Champions League this Wednesday, but I don’t think Gio will bite. This is an important game against a Western Conference opponent, and at home no less.

Portland are still likely without both Blanco and Ebobisse, and of course Niezgoda remains out until mid-June. That means we’ll probably see the same starting XI as last week, including the formidable Dairon Asprilla. I would like to see Marvin Loría start over him, but I’m nitpicking.

Houston will probably use that high press again at times against Portland, but what worked best against the Timbers last week was Vancouver’s mid-low block that seemed to target (or rather suffocate) Diego Valeri. When Blanco is off the pitch, Valeri is the only one who can consistently create chances for the Timbers. With so many weapons this usually works out fine, but…injuries. Overall I expect a classic MLS regular season match—you know, the ones which are famously impossible to predict.

In all seriousness, the Timbers could and should win this match. I’m looking for a 2-0 win, although I’d settle for 1-0. The big emphasis has to be on the attack that struggled to create anything last week, while the back line gave up a stupid set-piece goal to the Whitecaps.

We haven’t seen enough of this season yet to say exactly how Portland might unlock Houston’s defense, but I have a hunch it revolves around Yimmi Chará. I predict he scores in this match.

Follow @doublepostpod for total coverage of tonight’s match (and every match!), including our postgame reaction podcast later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

cover image by HOUSTON DYNAMO FC via MLS (used with permission)

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Portland Timbers

Yimmi Chará nets hat trick in Timbers’ 5-0 destruction of CD Marathón

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers knew they were the better side after their first match against CD Marathón, and and that was certainly validated after the second leg. A 5-0 dismantling of the Hondurans in Providence Park included the first career hat trick for Yimmi Chará, as well as goals from Diego Valeri and Marvin Loría.


Photo via Portland Timbers (used with permission)

Photo via Portland Timbers (used with permission)

Portland head man Gio Savarese stuck with the same starting XI that earned a 2-2 draw a week ago in Honduras. Some (including myself) expected to see Sebastián Blanco and/or Jeremy Ebobisse in the XI or at least on the bench, but they are apparently still out.

In the 18th minute, Dairon Asprilla, who was expected to be replaced by one of the above, tipped the ball over a defender and streaked down the left-hand side. His cross deflected to Diego Valeri at the top of the box, who laid the ball off for Yimmi Chará, who smashed it across the goal into the side netting. 1-0 Timbers.

The match started off very physically, with the Timbers conceding deep free kicks to Marathón. Asprilla committed two early fouls and got a stern warning from referee Iván Arcides Barton Cisneros, while Dario Župarić received a yellow card in the ninth minute.

Asprilla would provide another great cross to Mora in the 14th minute, but the Chilean’s shot rocketed off the goalkeeper. His third successful cross found the back of the net again, and again it was Yimmi Chará reaping the benefits.

Yimmi Chará thought he had scored again ten minutes later, but Valeri was called offside in the buildup. Seconds later, Portland were lucky not to concede as a Marathón player elected to take a touch instead of smacking a looping ball into the net.

Marathón had a flurry of chances late in the half, culminating in a goal-line clearance by Župarić. The hard fouls continued from both teams in the first half, prompting conversations between Cisneros and both head coaches.

Portland shot out of the gates in the second half, creating a few good chances in the first few minutes. Marathón clearly emphasized minimizing the central open space in front of their box at halftime—and they were doing a good job of it—but the other areas were still open, and Portland started poking holes.

Half an hour from full time, Asprilla had a sitter cleared off the line. It seemed as though his luck had run out.

In the 65th minute, Yimmi Chará could have completed his hat trick but couldn’t direct the cross on frame. Two minutes later, Valeri converted a Van Rankin cutback into a beautiful goal, and the Timbers had a nice 5-2 aggregate lead.

Portland’s first substitution came in the 68th minute, as Marvin Loría replaced Felipe Mora. Marathón used their fifth sub moments later. Loría was the victim of an incredible kick-save by Torrez in the 73th minute. Torrez would prevent a Yimmi hat trick minutes later.

In the 78th minute, Yimmi got his hatty. A saved shot from Valeri fell into the path of the younger Chará, who slotted it home for the first hat trick by a Timbers player since Frédéric Piquionne in the 2013 U.S. Open Cup.

With five minutes to go, Timbers substitute Blake Bodily scarred viewers with a scathing challenge that was lucky to earn just a yellow.

Loría added the icing on the cake in the 88th minute, snagging a Cristhian Paredes ball over the top and sliding it past Torrez.

Find our match reaction podcast at @doublepostpod later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

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Portland Timbers

Expectations & Predictions for Portland’s second leg against CD Marathón

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers will face CD Marathón in Providence Park at 5pm PT this evening for the second leg of their Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 clash versus CD Marathón of Honduras. Portland secured a 2-2 draw in the previous fixture.


Photo via Portland Timbers (used with permission)

Photo via Portland Timbers (used with permission)

The Timbers left San Pedro Sula one week ago with two away goals and plenty of confidence. Despite Honduran goals that leveled the tie not once but twice, Portland looked like the better team throughout. In a more familiar setting (and, more importantly, a more forgiving pitch), Portland should be able to put themselves through.

Now they face a straightforward task in the home leg: win or draw without conceding two goals.

This will be just the second match in Providence Park with fans since last season, and the first for the Timbers since a 1-0 victory over Nashville SC on March 8th, 2020. With the park operating at 20% capacity, the extra support should give Portland a small home boost.

Portland were without Sebastián Blanco and Jeremy Ebobisse for the first leg, and both should be back—if not starting—for the second.


My expected starting XI for today

My expected starting XI for today

Don’t be surprised to see Ebobisse starting over either Felipe Mora or Blanco. Mora did score last match, although he also missed a small handful of chances. We’ve seen Jebo on the wing and up top in the past, and he may be more fit than Blanco, who is coming off an ACL tear last season.

I expected Portland to let the game come to them a little more in the first leg, but after snagging the majority of possession in that match (58% to be exact), I expect them to do the same tonight. Marathón only need a single goal to flip the script, so the first score will be crucial. Gio Savarese & Co. will have to go for an early one to grab control of the tie.

With away goals being the tiebreaker, one Timbers goal means Marathón will need two to win. Portland certainly have the more talented roster, so this isn’t that tall of a task.

The Oregon Lottery Scoreboard has Portland at a comfortable -500 odds to win, with a draw at +700 and CD Marathón win least likely at +1000.

I predict a comfortable two-goal win for the Timbers, either 2-0 or 3-1. Maybe even four goals if the boys in green have their shooting boots on tonight.

Follow @doublepostpod for total coverage of tonight’s match, including our postgame reaction podcast later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

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Portland Timbers

Timbers draw CD Marathón 2-2 in first leg of CCL Round of 16

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers weren’t expecting a normal match in Honduras today, and they certainly didn’t get one.

With a muggy pitch and restricted pace, Portland struggled to find finishing luck in the Marathón box. Goals from Mora and Valeri were highlights for the Timbers, but both were met with Honduran equalizers.

Portland got out to a hot start in San Pedro Sula, but the pitch was a huge detriment to their quick-paced combination play. The Timbers still found success playing throughballs in behind and winning the ball back in the midfield.

A pair of early chances went begging for the Timbers as they tried to acclimate themselves to the horrid pitch conditions. Ground passes farther than 10 yards were virtually out of the question.

Valeri and Yimmi Chará were effective on the right side, with Valeri tucking into the space between midfielders and the back line. He had a decent shot in the 20th minute that skipped up on him and sailed over.

Eryk Williamson had the best chance of the first 30 minutes, flicking the ball over his defender and forcing a great save from Denovan Torrez.

Felipe Mora broke the deadlock in the 34th minute after getting a ball from Josecarlos Van Rankin. Portland’s first goal of the 2021 season included the first assist for Van Rankin in his first start.

Van Rankin’s glory would be short-lived, though. It wasn’t five minutes later before Marathón’s Edwin Solano burst down the left side and beat Van Rankin much too easily. His cross found a wide open Brayan Castillo in the box for a tap-in. 1-1.

Marathón came dangerously close to taking the lead in the 44th minute, as Kevin Hoyos bodied Van Rankin into getting a shot off way too close to Clark’s goal. The shot was blocked and saved by Clark, but it was a very shaky moment nonetheless.

The second half was a much rougher start for the Timbers. Clark was forced into a double-save in the 53’ after the back line left Mathias Techera wide open to get his head on a free kick.

Yimmi Chará missed another chance to score in the 56’, with a beautiful set-piece play finding him in open space in the box. His shot left much to be desired, though, and it was saved well.

Then Diego Valeri did a Diego Valeri thing.

While it’ll go down as an own goal, Valeri couldn’t hold back a smile after this other-worldly strike. With a pair of away goals, the Timbers had a lot to be happy about in Honduras.

That is, until Portland gave up another goal. This one was much worse, as Marlon Ramírez took three touches before slotting the ball past Clark on the fourth. The xG on that shot must be pretty pretty low.

Clark produced another huge save in the 82’ from a Techera header. The towering center back leaped high enough to beat Marvin Loría to the ball, and the result was almost disastrous.

Portland grabbed the lion’s share of possession late in the match, but weren’t able to do much with it. Mora had another chance in the box but couldn’t spot his teammate quick enough to make the flick.

Asprilla had a chance of his own right as we entered stoppage time, but his shot left much to be desired. A 2-2 result with away goals as a tiebreaker is a good one, but fans won’t help but think that it could have been much better.

Portland will be back home next Tuesday for the reverse fixture.

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Portland Timbers

Portland Timbers 2021 Season Preview

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

After winning the MLS is Back Tournament and a surprising early exit from the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Portland Timbers return all their key pieces from 2020. 

Last season ended on a sour note, with Jaroslaw Niezgoda and Sebastian Blanco both out indefinitely and the Timbers losing on penalties to FC Dallas in the first round of the playoffs. Portland led from the 82nd to 93rd minutes, conceding a late goal to 17-year-old Ricardo Pepi. 


MEDIA CREDIT: JARED MARTINEZ, MATT STITH & DEVIN L'AMOREAUX

MEDIA CREDIT: JARED MARTINEZ, MATT STITH & DEVIN L’AMOREAUX

Conceding late goals was a problematic trend for the Timbers last season—LAFC, Colorado, and Seattle all stole valuable points with late goals during the last six regular season matches. Had Portland kept their heads late in games, this could have been a Supporters’ Shield-challenging team. Instead, Portland limped out of the playoffs with only a COVID-tournament trophy and Concacaf Champions League bid to show for it. 

Roster Status

Head Coach Giovanni Savarese enters his fourth season with a mostly-healthy squad, led by 34-year-old veteran midfielders Diego Valeri and Diego Chará, along with 33-year-old attacker Sebastián Blanco. As usual, Eryk Williamson and Cristhian Paredes will compete for the second defensive midfield spot alongside Diego Chará. 

Last year’s attacking signings of Yimmi Chará, Felipe Mora, and Niezgoda have been productive additions, and they all return. Former Ekstraklasa standout Niezgoda is expected to be out until mid-June with a torn ACL, meaning Mora and U.S. National Team-hopeful Jeremy Ebobisse will be important performers early in the season, especially with Portland taking part in CCL, which begins on April 6th. Ebobisse and Williamson may also participate in Olympic Qualifying as part of the U.S. Under-23 squad, while backup wingers Andy Polo (Peru) and Marvin Loría (Costa Rica) could represent their home countries in international campaigns.

Portland’s defense has seen the most change over the offseason, with outside backs Jorge Villafaña and Marco Farfan being sold to LA Galaxy and LAFC, respectively. They have been replaced by 24-year-old left-back Claudio Bravo from Banfield (permanent deal with Targeted Allocation Money) and Liga MX veteran Josecarlos Van Rankin from Chivas Guadalajara (one-year loan with option to buy). 

Center-backs Larrys Mabiala and Dario Župarić will remain the starters, although Portland has been in the market for a young center-back during the offseason—they had an offer for Brazilian defender Zé Gabriel rejected recently, and it’s not the first offer they’ve made for an Under-22 Brazilian. Ismaila “Ish” Jome has been signed as a backup left back, with another signing possibly approaching in midfield, though the front office is known to pounce on a good deal once they see one. Goalkeeper Steve Clark is still the starter, with Jeff Attinella as his backup. 

As always, the question for Portland is whether or not “Dos Diegos” can keep up their valuable production as they reach their mid-30s. Everyone from the club indicates they have never shown signs of slowing down, but the questions are still there. Valeri still consistently leads the team in chances created, while Diego Chará finished top-10 in the league in the following categories:

  • Passes into Final Third (122, 6th)

  • Pressures (476, 4th)

  • Blocks (50, 3rd)

  • Points per Match (2.00, 9th)

Of course, the Colombian missile of Portland’s midfield still maintains his exemplary yellow card count (8, 3rd) and fouls committed totals (46, 2nd). 

Blanco and Niezgoda are also question marks coming back from ACL injuries, but both were fantastic when they played last season—Blanco was MLS is Back MVP while Jarek put up seven goals in just seven starts. Niezgoda also led MLS in shots on target percentage (81.8%) and goals per shot (0.64), an exciting debut season for the Polish Designated Player. 

Prediction Time

Preseason MLS Cup odds have the Timbers at +1400, tied for seventh-most likely winners. They are the third team listed in the Western Conference. Third in the West seems like a reasonable goal, but obviously performances in big games will write the story of the season. 

The Timbers won’t even begin this season in MLS play, though—that doesn’t begin until April 18th against Vancouver. Instead, Portland will travel to Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras to face CD Marathón for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16. In the past, the CCL has started with three-team group stages (which the Timbers failed twice to progress from), but the format has been changed to two-legged knockout rounds until the final. 

MLS teams have struggled in this competition, and LAFC’s blown lead in last year’s final was a tough reminder. If the Timbers can make a run, conceding a few league games to prioritize starters in CCL seems like a fair price. 

Overall, Portland is headed into another intriguing year. With only 25% of fans allowed in Providence Park, some things will still be far from normal. But that hasn’t stopped this team in the past, and it doesn’t have to this year. 

It’s not out of the question to expect a deep playoff run, but this is also a team that could collapse under the pressure of too many matches and bow out early. We’ve seen both before.

My official prediction, though, is a deep run. I am excited about this team, and while pundits have been buying Portland’s stock all offseason, I think this is a team that can truly challenge for MLS Cup.

  • Prediction: Western Conference Champions (at least), Concacaf Champions League Semifinalists (at least)

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Portland Timbers

Timbers announce 2021 MLS season and home openers

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers will open their 2021 MLS Regular Season on the road against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 18th. This will take place in Sandy, UT, though; home to Real Salt Lake.

  • Due to COVID travel restrictions, MLS’s three Canadian teams will take up homes in American cities (Vancouver in Sandy, Toronto in Orlando, and Montreal in Miami).

Portland’s home opener will take place on Saturday, April 24th against Houston Dynamo FC.


Image by Matthew Stith, Devin L'Amoreaux via MLS

Image by Matthew Stith, Devin L’Amoreaux via MLS

Mark your calendars

We now have dates for Portland’s first four competitive matches of the 2021 season:

  • Portland Timbers @ CD Marathón — CCL Round of 16 — Tuesday, April 6th @ 3pm

  • CD Marathon @ Portland Timbers — CCL Round of 16 — Tuesday, April 13th @ 5pm

  • Portland Timbers @ Vancouver Whitecaps* — MLS Reg. Season — Sunday, April 18th @ 7pm

  • Houston Dynamo @ Portland Timbers — MLS Reg. Season — Saturday, April 24th @ 7:30pm

*match to be held in Rio Tinto Stadium

All broadcast details for these matches are pending, but we know the CCL matches will be shown somewhere in the FOX family.

Re: MLS broadcasts — “The 2021 opening weekend will be the first time all five national broadcast partners showcase MLS matches on their over-the-air networks, including ABC, FOX, and Univision’s UniMás in the U.S. and CTV and TVA in Canada….

“Any nationally televised matches not aired by a national English-language network will be streamed live in English on Twitter.”

We also have Portland’s 2021 preseason schedule, although none of those matches will have official broadcasts or streams.

Anything else?

The good news is this should be a pretty easy opening to the schedule, and getting off to a hot start can be a huge morale-booster (just ask the 2019 team).

It’s also worth noting that the Timbers will avoid crunching CCL and MLS matches into the same time-frame—at least for the time being. The Timbers will have four full days of rest between their second leg against Marathón and their season opener against Vancouver.

Here are schedule windows for the rest of the 2021 CCL rounds:

  • Quarterfinals: April 27-29 (first leg) and May 4-6 (second leg)

  • Semifinals: August 10-12 (first leg) and September 14-16 (second leg)

  • Final: October 26-28 (single leg)

The full schedule of all 27 MLS home opener matches can be found here.

The league has not yet tipped its cap as to when the full 2021 slate will be released—”Full dates and broadcast details of the 2021 MLS season schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.”

That’s a bit of a drag, but whatever. Many of us have had forced lessons in patience recently.

Follow @doublepostpod on Twitter for Timbers updates (P.S. we will revamp the pod soon!)

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