Tag:

Jordan Morris

Sounders midfielder, Roldan, battles for the ball.
Seattle Sounders

What is going on with the Sounders?

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

Instead of writing the usual match reports, I have spent the last few weeks trying to figure out what the hell is up with the Sounders. Seattle’s “Summer with the Champs” media campaign was a way to take a bit of a victory lap after their historic Concacaf Champions League campaign. The victory celebration culminated with the banner drop in front of the Portland Timbers. The FO did it with the idea that we would rub it into our rivals’ faces with a victory. But, of course, that party was decidedly spoiled on the day, and the Sounders haven’t had a chance to celebrate.

Since the revealing of the banner, the Sounders have only earned six points from the last eight games. In that same time, they have only scored two, TWO goals from open play. Even with having their DP striker out, it’s just plain embarrassing. There are plenty of reasons to think why the Sounders are in their rut, but for now, I am only going to talk about the three most significant things that come to my mind.

Image via Seattle Sounders FC

Can we not score without Raul?

In the previous five games, they have won once, and in the last three, they have not scored. While Ruidiaz has had his fair share of injury issues this season, we still have Jordan Morris, Nico Lodeiro, Albert Rusnak, and Fredy Montero. All of whom are more than capable of scoring on their own. So what is the problem?

Over the last eight games, the Sounders have an xG of just above one (expected goals) and outshoot their opponents 93-84. So it’s clear they are taking chances and getting into positions, but they are not taking any good enough chances. Of those 93 shots they have taken in the last eight games, only 22 have been on target. That makes just 23% of their shots have been on target. That number is astonishing for a team that is considered part of the elite of MLS.

Both Nico and Rusnak have averaged double-digit numbers in the past, but they have not been able to achieve those numbers due to the positions they’ve played. The same goes for Morris. He’s playing on the wing despite being a natural forward. So again, I don’t want to blame position placement or Schmetz’s tactics, but it’s something to consider.

Depth, or lack thereof

Ruidiaz’s absence has shown in the lack of scoring, but João Paulo’s and now Vargas’s injuries may have been the most damaging of all. The injuries have had a cascading effect that has forced a rotating cast at the defensive midfield positions. This is mainly for those who are not defensive midfielders in the slightest. Dropping both Lodeiro and Rusnák back has not worked as they had planned. While Lodeiro said he will always do whatever is necessary to help the team, he prefers the ’10’ or advanced role. Given the Sounders’ roster issues, they may need to find reinforcements outside the organization.

The transfer window is now closed, and it would have been a perfect time to bring in someone. According to Sounder at Heart, the Sounders have $1.175 available in GAM after trading an international spot to Atlanta United. Garth has clarified that they will use that money to balance the books. The MLS window is closed, but there is still time to sign a free agent. There are plenty of players available for free that could fall under the TAM or GAM salary limits.

Signing a player on a free is nothing like it is on FIFA or Football Manager, but you have to think the Sounders will be open to bringing in a player to help fill a much-needed gap.

Playing players out of position.

This is one that I have been sitting on for the entire season. The Sounders have been playing too many players out of position for too long. I get that the players can do a job in those spots, but that does not mean the coach should permanently play them. The most significant example of that is Kellyn Rowe. He is the perfect squad player and utility man. He loves this team. But he is not an out-and-out starter; yet, Schmetz tries to get him on the pitch as much as possible. As a result, Rowe is a player who should be coming off the bench to impact the play late in the game.

Another player that I don’t have too many complaints about is Rusnak. He is a natural #10 and loves being up the pitch. Last season he hit double-digit figures in goals and assists. However, because of the Sounders’ lack of CDM depth and JP going down, he has been moved back into a #6 role and plays like a Regista (Think Andrea Pirlo-esque). The problem with this is that there is no defensive-minded CDM to play along with him so he can move up more. There needs to be a true #6 to play in those roles to hold down the midfield. Those players are not Roldan, not Nico, and please, not Rowe. Instead, we have Leyva and Atencio available, who are capable of starting and hardly see the field.

Final Thoughts

The Sounders always find a way to get back into it. By definition, they are a second-half-of-the-season kind of team. The highs from winning the Champions League are over. It is time to focus on the league and get back in form. Raul is back from injury, so hopefully, the poor scoring rate gets better. Also, he is playing in the MLS All-Star game (not happy about that), so he should be game ready for the next match.

Ten games are left in the season, and every single one is crucial. While the Sounders have a game in hand, they must put games away. The West is as competitive as ever, and plenty of teams are vying for those top seven spots. The Sounders have the squad and pedigree to do it. They just have to show it.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Seattle Sounders

Why Weren’t The Sounders Favorites for MLS Cup?

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

The Seattle Sounders are first in the Supporter’s Shield race, first in the Western Conference, and they have yet to lose a game this season. So why did it take so long for the Sounders MLS Cup odds to go up? You would think they would have been favorites from the start.

The Sounders are having an excellent start to the season, their best ever in fact.  This has not come as a surprise because the Sounders are synonymous with winning. They have arguably been one of the best teams in MLS over the last 5 years. 

This year specifically has been great for the team. Best goal difference (+11), least goals allowed (3, ZERO from open play), and the second best goal scoring team on top of that (14 goals to SKC’s 15). 

So with all that in mind, you would think that they would have had the best odds to win MLS Cup right? Well, it took the bookies 7 games to finally put them at the top. Why? 

You could argue they should have been at the top from the beginning but it seems others have had their doubts. The reason for this could have been our injury problems to some key players. Many of which are out for a longer while.  

 We have yet to see Nico, our DP #10,  all season due to knee issues, JMO out for the season after picking up another torn ACL in Swansea, Delem out with an ACL tear, and now Frei out for the foreseeable future due to complications with his knee injury. All such key components to the team. 

For most teams, when you lose important players like that, your form has a tendency to take a big dip. That has to be exactly what they were thinking when the season started. That is why the Sounders were second on the list. No one knew what to expect, including Sounders fans. 

Thankfully, the team has stepped up so immensely in the absence of these players. Brian Schmetzler has changed the formation up and the team is performing. Playing a 5-3-2 has paid off immensely. Every single player has stepped into new roles and are playing with a tenacity I have not seen in a while. 

Image via Seattle Sounders FC Twitter

Even without Nico and JMO, the team is still creating plenty of chances and scoring goals. The new emergence of the kids is paying off as they look like they have been part of the team for years. I am excited to see how the team plays when Nico comes back, but for now fans can sleep comfortably knowing the team will still perform. 

As we speak, the Sounders are now getting the best odds in the league at +400 to win the MLS Cup, according to Sports Betting Dime. That’s higher than what LAFC had at the start of the season! 

Things can only get better from here for the Sounders. If they stay on this path, then there is no reason to believe that they won’t win the cup. They’ll also break some league records along the way. Let’s hope the bookies agree with us.

The Sounders now head into the upcoming FIFA international break, with the club pausing from league duty until Saturday, June 19 when they play LA Galaxy (6:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, ESPN +)

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Seattle Sounders

How Will The Sounders Look Without Morris?

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

Welp there it is. The inevitable has happened, Jordan Morris has left Seattle after 5 years with the club. He has gone across the pond to English Championship side Swansea City AFC on loan for the remainder of the season. There is also an option to buy in there as well. The rumored amount is $5-$7 million, but that has yet to be disclosed. All this depends on the Welsh side getting promoted to the Premier League. They are in second place, so it is very likely that they will make their way back to the top flight. 

Now enough with the boring details of the transfer. It’s time to talk about the Sounders. Jordan Morris was a key component in the attack for 5 years. Especially once he made his move out on the left wing. His explosive speed and finishing will definitely be missed this next season. He had 43 goals and 21 assists across 131 matches. Finding a possible replacement will be tough to say the least. But the question is… What does this mean for the Sounders?  How will they look without him? 

Here’s what I think. We already know based on comments from boss man Garth Lagerwey that there won’t be any super exciting announcements regarding transfers. There is just not enough in the budget to do so. 2020 hit MLS, as a whole, HARD financially. Almost every club is going to struggle. But come on, this is the Sounders. They always have a plan and we know that they will deliver results. I do have a feeling the lineup will look a little different going forward though. 


lineup (2).png

Normally, Schmetz likes to stick to his 4-2-3-1 and does not stray from it unless truly necessary. But without any true winger depth, it might be time to bring the formation in a bit more and make it narrow. I’m thinking 4-3-1-2. The team plays with a much more possession style anyway, so might as well amp it up. With the official signings of Rowe and JP, this will be the perfect way to bring them both into the starting lineup. For those of you who have been watching football for a long while, surely you would remember the great AC Milan team from the early 2000’s. I could see the Sounders playing in a similar style. With the players they have at their disposal at this current moment, it makes the most sense. 

Another thing I think we can expect to see is the youth movement. The Sounders have some incredible youth players coming through the first team. The main ones to look out for are Leyva, the strong midfielder who can pick a pass and has some good defensive awareness for his age. This last season did not go as planned due to his injuries, but 2020 will be his year. I’m calling it now. 

Attencio is another young midfielder to look out for. He reminds of another Goose type player. A traditional #6 with an eye for a pass. He has impressed in his starts with the Defiance this season so it’s safe to assume he’ll make the jump as well. 

The last player I’ll mention is Ocampo-Chavez. While his numbers are not the best in terms of MLS level striker, he is still a top prospect for the academy. He has trained plenty with the first team and has even made the bench. In a two striker formation, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to see him getting some playing time. Once he learns from Raul and Bruin, he can be a solid MLS level striker. 

There are definitely some positives to take away from this move for the Sounders. Those are probably more obvious for Jordan but that’s okay. He plays well, Swansea get promoted, and then he’s playing in the Premier League or earns a move to an even bigger club in Europe. The positives are a bit harder to see in the short term for the Sounders, but doing right by our hometown hero is not something that should go unnoticed. We also can’t forget about the possibility of a potentially massive payday at the end of this, something that could be used to set up the Sounders for years to come.

This Sounders team is definitely going to look very different this season. With the departures of so many key players, mostly Morris and Goose, and the inability to make marquee signings, it’s going to be rough to start. One thing is for certain though, we will figure it out without Jordan. It might take a bit, but the team will be okay. We are still one of the best teams in the league and we will continue to be. That is without a doubt.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Uncategorized

Third Time is Not The Charm… Whitecaps Fall to Sounders 2-0

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda


Image via MLS

Image via MLS

It was a short rest for the Whitecaps as they faced  Western Conference leaders, the Seattle Sounders last night. This match came after just 3 days of rest from their previous win against San Jose Earthquakes. The Whitecaps made wholesale changes to their lineup after Saturday, fielding a club MLS record seven Canadians in their starting XI. Let’s get into the rest of the match!

Lineups:

Vancouver Whitecaps: 3-4-3

Plenty of notes for the starting XI today!:

  • Second match in 4 days

  • An MLS record 7 Canadians in the starting XI

  • Formation Change to a defensive 3-4-3 (more like a 5-4-1)

  • Only 3 players from Saturday’s win in starting XI. Bush, Bikel, and Vanko

  • Club set record for most appearances played by Canadians in a single season (137)

Seattle Sounders: 4-2-3-1

Match Stats

VWFC Man of the Match: Derek Cornelius

Referee: Fotis Bazakos

Scoring Summary

54′ – SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (assisted by Nouhou Tolo)

60′ – SEA – Nicolás Lodeiro (assisted by Raúl Ruidíaz)

Statistics

Possession: VAN 31.9% – SEA 68.1%

Shots: VAN 4 – SEA 11

Shots on Goal: VAN 0 – SEA 4

Saves: VAN 2 – SEA 0

Fouls: VAN 12 – SEA 6

Offsides: VAN 0 – SEA 3

Corners: VAN 4 – SEA 3

Cautions

62′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (yellow)

84′ – VAN – Cristian Dájome (yellow)

90′ – VAN – Derek Cornelius (yellow)

Match Review

A pair of second half goals sealed the deal as a tired out Whitecaps lose to the Seattle Sounders 2-0. DP striker Ruidiaz’s heroics for the Sounders take them back to the top of the West. To be 100% honest, the result was expected. The Sounders are arguably the best team in  the league. Even with us being on a good run of form, this was always going to be a tough match. With the loss, the Whitecaps were unable to climb up the table, staying put at seventh place and above the barely playoff line with two matches remaining. One against Portland and the other against LA Galaxy.


Image via Sounders FC twitter

Image via Sounders FC twitter

The first half started off fairly evenly as both teams almost seemed to want to play for a draw. The Whitecaps stayed defensively sound all half and did not let the Sounders through. Vanko and Cornellius shut everything down on that right hand side. There were a few times where Andy Rose was exposed by potential league MVP, Jordan Morris, on the left. On the other side of the ball, the Sounders seemed to be testing us to see how we would press and how we would react without the ball. Mostly playing out of the back and keeping possession. Ultimately, both sides stayed complacent as the half ended 0-0. 

The second half was a different story. After the break, the Sounders came out ready for a result. They  pressed the Whitecaps until they found the net not even 10 minutes into the half. 

Although initially ruled offside by the assistant referee, the Sounders struck in the 54th minute as Nouhou spun a deep cross into the box that Ruidíaz smashed into the back of the net. After some VAR review, the center referee ruled it onside making 1-0 for the Sounders. Seattle was able to put up one final goal as Yeimar sent a long ball down the middle of the pitch to find Ruidíaz in the box, where the Peruvian cut back a pass to the middle of the box where none other than Nicolás Lodeiro finished into the net in the 60th minute. 

The Whitecaps could not get anything going for them offensively after that. The Sounders bunkered down and did not allow anything to come through. This was even after MDS brought in our star front 3 of Dajome, Fredy, and Cava all at once. None of the subs had much impact on the match as the final score was 2-0 in favor of the visiting Sounders. 

Post Match Thoughts

The first half was probably the best defensive half of football I have seen the Whitecaps play in a while. Especially considering their opponent and their front 4. Things just seemed to be clicking tactically. On paper it started out with a typical 3-4-3, but then in transitions back, it would seemingly turn into a 5-4-1. I know it’s not the prettiest way to play, but hey, it worked for a half. 

Derek Cornellius and Vanko played their hearts out and left it all on the pitch. I have been sceptical on Vanko most of the season, but since we’ve signed him permanently, he’s easily been one of the better defenders. Both players are super young, so I know they can only get better. I still think Godoy and Vanko are our best CB pairing going forward, but in the eventuality that we lose Godoy, DC can easily slot right in. 

Second half was another story… The team looked like it had lost a bit of their shape. They tried to press too much and got caught in the counter press that the Sounders are so good at. It makes sense why we came out like that at the start. We initially were playing for the draw, but there were opportunities to go for the goal. The battle was lost in the midfield. That was evident in the stat line and heat map below.


This is the heat map for the Whitecaps

This is the heat map for the Whitecaps


This is for the Sounders

This is for the Sounders



whoscoredratings2.png

While I love Baldisimo, he is not a defensive midfielder. Maybe he would have been better suited for the wingback role, switching with Bikel.

The kids did alright. This was a learning match for most of them and I couldn’t be more happy with the result. 

Baldisimo balled out today. While DC was MOTM for the Whitecaps, I thought Baldi deserved a shout as well. He kept possession so well and picked passes like it was nothing. He looked like he belonged on that pitch. He has been fighting for a starting spot, and I feel that he is so close to getting it. MDS should look into finding a way to get him into the team. He deserves it. 

He even got a new fan! Kristian Jack of TSN had nothing but praise for the young Canadian. We’ve all been fans of the kid all season, but it’s still good to see him finally get some more recognition. 

The Whitecaps will be staying in Portland for their final two games of the regular season. Although this time around, they will be serving as the away side in another Cascadia clash with the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Catch the match live on Sunday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. PT on TSN and ESPN+

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Portland Timbers

Timbers concede late again, draw Seattle 1-1

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers conceded a 93rd minute equalizer to the Seattle Sounders, dropping stoppage time points for the second straight match. Portland’s Andres Flores scored his first goal in over a year in the 10th minute before Will Bruin did the same deep into stoppage time.

Lineups

Ruidiaz remained out after a positive COVID test last week, but it was still a strong lineup from the home team.

Ebobisse is out of the squad after

Match Recap

Flores had a poor pass to start the match and Seattle were on the front foot.

Portland settled into the match about five minutes in, getting some possession strung together and threatening a cross or two.

Portland’s efforts were rewarded in the 11th minute as Villafana’s cross found Mora in the box. Mora took up two defenders, which freed up space for a Yimmi Chará strike at goal. It was saved right to Flores, who pounded the ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

As we were frequently reminded, Portland leads the league in points conceded after scoring the first goal.

The Timbers picked up right where they left off after the goal, playing careful with possession and nearly capitalizing with a fantastic combo on the left side between Jorge, Yimmi, and Valeri—the latter scuffing the crowded attempt wide.

Seattle had a few quick flights forward, but Portland’s defense quelled each chance before they could develop. Overall, though, Portland were owning the midfield battle.

Referee Ismail Elfath backed into a closing Jordy Delem in the 25th minute, who got the wind knocked out of him and spent significant time down on the pitch. Delem had to be substituted for Alex Roldan, making it two sets of brothers on the pitch.

The match eased into a sense of bitterness on both sides—notably Seattle, who were already feeling shorted by Elfath’s inadvertent injuring of Delem and were reeling from small, careless fouls by the Timbers.

Neither team found a groove for the remainder of the first half.

Williamson earned a free kick on the edge of the 18 by flicking the ball up to Joao Paulo’s hand in the 47th minute, but Valeri’s free kick was straight into the wall.

There were shouts for a Portland penalty in the 54th minute as Valeri went down in front of Joao Paulo, but it was Seattle with the chance on the other end, needing a Farfan clearance at the back post off a dangerous cross from the left.

Clearing the ball became a big concern for the Timbers, but luckily Nouhou was taking the final shot in the 57th minute.

Diego Chará went down holding his head in the 59th minute after knocking heads with Leerdam. He got checked out and returned to action after a minute.

In the 64’, Farfan conceded the softest of free kicks on the right side before Lodeiro’s free kick smacked the one-man wall of Flores right in the face. He spent a considerable amount of time getting checked on before returning to play.

Leerdam got Seattle’s best chance of the match so far, but his header from inside the six was over the bar.

The Timbers were forcing every pass into the final third, but nothing was connecting and the Sounders were playing through Portland’s mid after breaking the light press. Flores came off for Bonilla in the 73rd minute in what seemed like a defensive sub, but Bonilla’s first contribution was a corner-winning combination.

A failed control by DC21 at half-field saw Morris and Lodiero racing Farfan and Bonilla, but Morris’ angle was cut off and Lodeiro’s shot drifted over the bar.

Seattle really started putting pressure on the Timbers, who did what they do best defensively—shrinking the space and trying to counter.

Niezgoda replaced Mora in the 83’, just before Shane O’Neill sent a wide open header wide of the far post.

The match morphed from “Seattle having most of the ball and attacking with it” to “Seattle having all of the ball and attacking ferociously.”

Williamson nearly dribbled through Seattle’s entire team, but Nouhou was there to clean up the mess when he got to the 18.

Portland were taking full advantage of their drawn fouls, and the seven minutes of stoppage time reflected that and the injuries.

Seattle’s eighth corner of the night was flicked on and put home by Will Bruin at the back post in the 93rd minute. It’s his first goal in over a year.

Seattle crossed the ball thousands of times in the final few minutes, but Portland managed to uphold the draw without clearing the ball.

As the final whistle blew, Portland once again left the field with a point that felt like a loss.

[cover via @SomosTimbers]

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Portland TimbersSeattle Sounders

Expectations, predictions for Timbers-Sounders IV

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

Thursday night’s 7:30pm meeting between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field will be their fourth of the season, but it certainly won’t be of lesser importance. The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.


[Image via @TimbersFC ]

[Image via @TimbersFC]

Portland owns the season series thus far, snatching two consecutive victories over Seattle after falling 3-0 at home in the first meeting.

Injury Report

Seattle

  • OUT: Joevin Jones (M) – right high ankle sprain

  • OUT: Brad Smith (D) – right hamstring strain

  • OUT: Trey Muse (GK) – concussion

  • OUT: Raul Ruidiaz (F) – COVID

Portland

  • OUT: Dairon Asprilla (M) – left knee injury

  • OUT: Blake Bodily (M) – right thigh injury

  • OUT: Sebastian Blanco (M) – right ACL injury

  • OUT: Julio Cascante (D) – left ankle injury

  • QUESTIONABLE: Jeremy Ebobisse (F) – concussion

  • QUESTIONABLE: Marvin Loría (M) – abdomen injury

Both sides could be missing key pieces of their attacking forces for tonight’s game: Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz tested positive for COVID-19 last week, while Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse was on the receiving end of a hard collision that raised questions of a concussion. Ebobisse could disrupt his club-record streak of 73 appearances, which is solely his after starting against LAFC last Sunday.

Odds and Prediction

Result Odds Prediction
SSFC -125
PTFC +300 X
Draw +295

[Odds from Bovada]

The Sounders are the heavy home favorites, but there’s little reason to see this as a toss-up in my eyes. Maybe I’ve got my No Pity scarf tied too tight, but Seattle are missing their leading goalscorer and couldn’t put one goal past San Jose in their last match, an opponent both these teams have laid six-plus goals on this year.

Portland could miss Ebobisse, but we’re still not that far from talking about this team riding a six-match winning streak, 16-year-old Christian Torres’ goal notwithstanding.

As the resident Timbers writer, I’m morally obligated to say Portland will win, but I think taking points (as they have every match in Seattle since Darlington Nagbe, Liam Ridgewell, David Guzman, and others were still in the XI) is a reasonable goal.

Official prediction: 2-0 Timbers

Follow @doublepostpod on Twitter for live coverage and postgame quotes.

And, as always, Go Timbers!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Lose Back-to-Back Cascadia Matches

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez


Image via Whitecaps FC Twitter

Image via Whitecaps FC Twitter

This was another tough one to take in as the Whitecaps lose 3-1 in Seattle. This is the second time this season that the Sounders have put 3 past the Whitecaps. It was a tough game for the Whitecaps, who started out strong, nearly snatching an early lead, before ultimately falling apart early in the second half, as the Sounders scored their 3 goals in 15 minutes to close out the match.

Lineups:

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-4-2

The Whitecaps made only two changes to the starting 11 after the loss to Portland last week.

  • Derek Cornelius for Cristian Gutierrez

  • David Milinkovic for Owusu

Besides the player changes, there were a couple of players moving positions as well.

  • Andy Rose back to Center Midfield

  • Ali Adnan back to Left Back
    Seattle Sounders: 4-2-3-1


Match Stats:

VWFC Man of the Match: Fredy Montero

Referee: Timothy Ford

Scoring Summary
46′ – SEA – João Paulo
53′ – SEA – Érik Godoy (own goal)
58′ – SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (assisted Jordan Morris)
65′ – VAN – Fredy Montero (penalty kick)

Statistics
Possession: SEA 69.6% – VAN 30.4%
Shots: SEA 22 – VAN 3
Shots on Goal: SEA 9 – VAN 2
Saves: SEA 1 – VAN 7
Fouls: SEA 10 – VAN 17
Offsides: SEA 0 – VAN 1
Corners: SEA 7 – VAN 0

Cautions
26′ – VAN – Janio Bikel (Yellow)
49′ – SEA – João Paulo (Yellow)
52′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (Yellow, misses next match)
65′ – SEA – Yeimar Gómez (Yellow)
68′ – VAN – Janio Bikel (Red)

MATCH REVIEW

This tends to be the story of the season. Another loss, another disappointing performance. The first half started out fairly solid to the Whitecaps standards. Just so as long as you ignore the stat line. Which do not favor the Whitecaps at all, but I digress. 

The Sounders would come out strong, nearly scoring inside the first minute. Which gave the Whitecaps a big scare. Especially considering they conceded goals in early minutes the last two matches. Anyways, after a nice Ruidiaz flick off of a nice Kelvin Leerdam cross, Lodeiro lined up for a shot just outside of the box, but his curled shot hit just outside the goal post. 

At the other end just minutes after, the Whitecaps would nearly break the deadlock with a surprise opener, as Ali Adnan sent in a pin point cross right into the box, finding Lucas Cavallini at the edge of the 6. The striker sent his shot right at Frei to give the Sounders some breathing room. 

After these semi exciting opening moments, the rest of the first half was a bit of a dull one. A few chances here and there for both teams, but it ultimately ended at 0-0 heading into the break. The Whitecaps stayed defensively sound for most of the half denying any chances that the Sounders brought into their final third. I was pretty impressed myself, considering the debacle that was the 6-0 bashing from LAFC just two matches ago. 

Unfortunately, the Sounders were gearing up and getting ready to lay it on for the second half. Thus, crushing the Whitecaps’ dreams of taking home a point in Seattle. The Sounders opened up the scoresheet just minutes after the second half whistle with a wonderful strike at the top of the box from Joao Paulo. Caps’ defense was too slow to react as Joao had all the time in the world to set that up. 

Not soon after, the boys conceded an own goal from CB Erik Godoy after a shot from Roldan. The shot itself was nothing special by any means, but knowing that Merideth got a hand on just for it to SLOWLY trickle in after rolling off of Godoy’s leg. 

Sounders would continue to rain down on the Whitecaps as a completely unmarked Ruidiaz scored a header after a flick from Jordan Morris. Making it 3-0 after 59 minutes. This goal sums up the Whitecaps struggles defensively. It’s the little things like marking that tend to just get away from them. 

Things start to get interesting for the Whitecaps. Throughout the second half, there were times where the Whitecaps looked dangerous and made some great passing sequences. Then came the 62nd minute when Cavallini got fouled by Yeimar  inside the box resulting in a red card for the Sounders defender. The ref had to take some time to look at VAR considering the foul and the fact that it was ruled a penalty. The red card was rescinded and changed to a yellow. But thing is, and this is coming from a Whitecaps writer, it was NOT a penalty. Nor was it even a foul. Don’t get me wrong, I love Cava, but the man did not get touched. 

This is a perfect example of how inept MLS referees are. The picture was right there in front of him. Yes Cava was through on goal, and yes Yeimar did come to defend, but there was not enough contact to warrant a penalty or a card. Despite the controversial call, the man Fredy Montero buried it from the spot making it 3-1.  With the penalty, this will make it 3 goals and 3 assists in 6 matches. He is a man on fire. Carrying this Whitecaps team over the line. 

POST MATCH THOUGHTS

It seems as though I say the same things regarding the team and what they need to do to improve. And until things do change, then I will continue to preach it. The lack of possession is what needs to be addressed now. I know that the Sounders are always a team that keeps possession well, but this match was just something else. 30% is all the Whitecaps had the whole match. The whole match, it wasn’t even a contest. I have said it before, and even MDS has said it, but there is a strong need for a #10 or some sort of creativity in this team. There is almost no identity. 

 The team started out really well in the opening 30 minutes. It’s just staying consistent that’s the problem. Minus the opening chance from Cava, there just was not much else going for the team. It almost feels like he’s lost the team as he isn’t seemingly able to sort out the defensive mistakes. MDS said it himself earlier today in a presser, 

“We defend too low, we’re not able to press the way I want us to press, as well”

That says it all right there. He just can’y get them to play how he wants. This is now the third loss in a row and I just hope we can get out of this rut. 

On a positive note, there is plenty of quality in the side. It’s just about using them correctly. The Whitecaps are only 3 points away from a playoff spot. All it takes is one win to get the momentum back and running. They play San Jose Earthquakes next, and this is the perfect time to start that run. They just have to want it more. 

The Whitecaps look to bounce back without Cava and Bikel when they visit San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PST live on TSN and ESPN+

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Portland Timbers

Cascadia Rubber Match: Expectations and Predictions

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers will face the Seattle Sounders for the third time in exactly one month, looking to take the advantage in what has been a back-and-forth exchange this year.

Seattle took the first three goals and three points in Providence Park on August 23rd. Portland gave their all for 70 minutes or so before Raúl Ruidiaz & Co. buried the Timbers with three quick goals late in the match.

Portland struck back in CenturyLink Field two Wednesdays ago with an emotional 2-1 win after losing star midfielder Sebastián Blanco to an ACL tear. A goal and an assist from Eryk Williamson secured the W and extended this matchup’s away win streak to six.

Let me repeat that: In the last six MLS regular season matches between the Timbers and Sounders, the away team has won. Not drawn or dropped any points—won.

With that being said, I have another stat to bring up: At what point are we going to start talking about Portland’s non-shutout streak?

Yes, there have been three different goalkeepers in the lineup since then; Yes, last Saturday’s 6-1 performance against San Jose was a massive sigh of relief; Yes, the back line (and rest of the XI, for that matter) has been shuffled more than a Hoyle deck in a crowded casino; Yes, Seattle have not been shutout since the MLS is Back Tournament…

But those are excuses, and the Portland Timbers need to stop giving themselves excuses. They need to start being more reliable defensively.

This leads me into what I want to see from the Timbers tonight:

Hopes

  • A clean sheet

  • Jarosław Niezgoda getting on the end of chances

  • Yimmi Chará being a creative force

Niezgoda and Yimmi are both guys that had slow starts to their DP careers in Portland, but they both scored and played well last week. I think they’re sleeping giants, not just on this roster but in all of MLS.

You don’t hear this sentence very often on the world of soccer/football, but I’d be completely satisfied with a goalless draw tonight. I know—it’s Seattle—and believe me, I hate them as much as you do. But a goalless draw against one of the hottest teams in the league would be a monumental achievement for Portland.

Injury Report

For Portland, Chris Duvall (right lower leg) and Larrys Mabiala (right thigh) are listed as questionable for tonight.

However, in Monday’s press conference, Giovanni Savarese indicated that Duvall was still recovering but that Mabiala would be good to go. Predicting Timbers lineups is an exercise in sorcery at this point, but it’s safe to assume that Portland’s first-choice center back (Mabiala) will start along with Pablo Bonilla at right back.

Jeff Attinella (low back spasms), Tomas Conechny (right shoulder), and Bill Tuiloma (left thigh) are also listed as questionable for Portland.

Midfielder Daniel Leyva is out with a foot fracture for Seattle.

Expectations and Predictions

Bovada’s odds for this match give Seattle the edge at +125, but Portland is not far behind at +180 (draw at +280). This isn’t a toss-up, but it’s fairly close.

Although I said I’d be satisfied with 0-0, I don’t think either team will be able to keep a clean sheet realistically.

This match will come down to whichever team finishes its chances better. This season, I can confidently say that we got shooters.

I’m predicting a thrilling 3-2 win for Portland, breaking the streak and sending all of us good guys into a state of elation. At least one goal from Jarek and at least one assist from Yimmi, because why not?

Thanks for reading, and follow @doublepostpod on Twitter for live updates and discussion throughout the match. Go Timbers!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Portland Timbers

Timbers stun Sounders in Seattle, 2-1

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers defeated the Seattle Sounders by a score of 2 goals to 1 in Centurylink Field tonight. Goals from Eryk Williamson and Felipe Mora lifted the Timbers to a much-needed three points in this critical rivalry match. Check out the match recap below to re-live the action!

Lineups

Jebo on the Wing is back again! Surprising not to see Yimmi Chará on the pitch for Portland, but I guess it’s a testament to whatever Jarek and Jebo have been showing in training.

Match Recap

First Half

2’ – Blanco is down and holding his right leg after winning a throw-in off the high press. He’s still on the ground after a few minutes. This is definitely not good.

Loría is suiting up and will replace Blanco in the fourth minute. Seba is in tears; you can see how much this means to him.

8’ – Williamson chests down a ball outside the box, lays it off for Valeri who plays it right back into its path and SCORES IN THE BOX! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GOAL!! 1-0 PORTLAND!!!

That’s Williamson’s first MLS goal, and pure class from Valeri.

13’ – Loría puts in a hard challenge for a foul in Portland’s attacking half. The Timbers have much more confidence after a lackluster start to this match. The early goal has really inspired the team.

19’ – Chance for Morris in the box is blocked by Mabiala for a corner.

26’ – Portland seem content to sit back at the moment, especially up a goal. There have been spurts of Timbers attacks, but they stay spurts.

29’ – Villafaña blocks a cross from Leerdam and goes down in pain. Timbers trainers are back on the pitch. Looks like he may have landed awkwardly. He takes a gingerly stroll to the sideline and the Sounders restart with a throw-in.

31’ – Timbers create a counter-attacking opportunity, but Valeri is eventually muscled off the ball and no foul is called.

33’ – Ruidiaz’s dummy header forces Clark to make a save.

35’ – Timbers make a counter off the defended corner and Jorge’s cross is behind the target. Timbers recover possession, though, and Duvall’s rocket goes straight to Morris’ chest.

37’ – João Paulo makes a driving run and Chará takes him out from behind. Classic foul, free kick from Lodiero goes over the bar.

40’ – Morris has a completely open shot in the box and Clark comes up with a strong left-handed save. That was a very good chance.

42’ – Župarić clears the corner only as far as Leerdam, who has a dream setup to smash the ball into the back of the net. It hit Clark on the way through, but he couldn’t keep it out. 1-1.

44’ – Right from the kickoff, Seattle are back and winning a corner. Mabiala is injured and out behind the goal, but Portland win a free kick to get out of trouble. Mabiala gets back on after a second Seattle foul.

45’ – Timbers find some space on the left-hand side of the box, but Loría doesn’t aim his cross and it goes through for a throw-in.

Mabiala is down again on the pitch. That’s probably the worst possible player to get injured right now for Portland, and he’s going to be coming off for Julio Cascante at halftime.

45’ + 3‘ – Ruidiaz receives the ball in an offside position and Clark saves his chance. The flag doesn’t go up until after Clark rolls the ball out, and then Roldán fouls the crap out of Chará for a yellow. Wild stuff, but now it’s halftime.

Halftime Thoughts

What a wild match. The Timbers definitely deserved their goal, but both of these defenses are looking quite poor. No matter how early you score a goal, you need to create more than one chance, and that’s all the Timbers have managed so far.

Seattle seem to be uber-complacent on the ball before they explode for ferocious onslaughts toward goal. Let’s hope the Timbers can turn some counters into goals.

Second Half

46’ – Cascante is in for Mabiala. That’s a big loss for a back line that was already struggling. Portland give up a corner straight away.

48’ – Jorge’s hard challenge on Lodeiro is cautioned…easily a foul, questionably a yellow.

50’ – Jarek has a golden opportunity after Seattle mis-control a ball at the back. It then happens again a second later, but Eryk can’t convert, either. Pair of fantastic saves from Frei there.

51’ – Williamson tries to break, but he gets tactically fouled. No caution for Delem.

53’ – Nice set play off the set piece from Portland but Cascante skies the shot over the net.

56’ – Jebo does a great job to shrug off challengers and get the ball wide to Jorge, but the Sounders get heads to the cross and second ball.

58’ – Williamson combines with Jarek and wins a free kick just outside Seattle’s box. The ensuing free kick is sent just over the bar by Valeri.

60’ – Nice spell of possession for the Timbers, who earn a trio of corners.

64’ – Timbers are giving Seattle some tough situations to deal with from deep. The medium pressure is messing Seattle’s their marking when the Timbers win the second ball in the midfield.

69’ – Cascante steps early, letting Morris get a cross off, and the ball hits his hand as it goes out for a corner. However, it was tucked into his body and even the Sounders announcers said that would have been a harsh pen.

70’ – Yimmi Chará replaces Loría. Decent showing from Marvin, but you want your DPs on the pitch in a match like this. That being said, Jarek is off for Mora.

73’ – Ebobisse has been doing a great job of keeping possession in the attacking half. On this occasion, Valeri’s cross is straight to Frei, though.

76’ – Jorge denies João Paulo’s cross and keeps it in. Yimmi then one-twos with Valeri and earns a yellow card off Will Bruin.

77’ – Portland’s press is giving Seattle fits defensively. The Timbers win another corner, which is saved by Frei.

82’ – Scary moment for the Timbers as a foul on Williamson goes uncalled and the Sounders wings trade crosses before Clark finally collects.

84’ – Eryk steps up with the ball, plays Mora through on goal AND HE CONVERTS!! 2-1 TIMBERS!!! Perfect run from Mora and an even better finish past Frei.

Ok, all Portland have to do now is defend deep and threaten Seattle enough to keep them scared. Sound familiar?

88’ – Mora wins a foul in midfield and should stay down for a long time. Tuiloma is on for Valeri, which is a pretty good indicator of Portland’s strategy for the rest of this one.

89’ – Jebo wins a foul in the corner off the free kick, burning a few more precious seconds. There’s then a corner kick and then a yellow on Eryk to prevent a counter.

90’ + 1’ – Four minutes of added time as Seattle recalibrate the attack. Ruidiaz gets a well-guarded shot deflected for a corner.

90’ + 3’ – Corner is defended and Portland win another free kick up the pitch. Sooo close…. [frequently knocking on wood]

90’ + 4’ – Seattle have another corner. They take it short but it’s defended. They get one more cross off but it’s collected by Clark. That should do it…

THE FINAL WHISTLE SOUNDS! WHAT A HUGE WIN FOR THE TIMBERS!!

Final Thoughts

What a massive win for Portland. And it matched my prediction, too!

What a stand by the team defensively, what an offensive showing by Williamson (has to be MOTM for me) and an unsung performance from Jebo on the Wing, Cascante and Villafaña in defense, and many others.

I was really impressed by the performance of the entire team tonight. This will be a fun one to dissect later in the week.

‘Til then, cheers! Enjoy your Labor Day weekend.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Portland TimbersSeattle Sounders

Timbers host Sounders in regular season resumption

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers host the Seattle Sounders tonight at 7pm PT in what will serve as the first match for both teams since the conclusion of the MLS is Back Tournament Final on August 11th. That league-wide midseason competition, of course, was won by Portland.

New Challenges

This will be the first match for either side in their home stadiums since March, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shutdown. The MLSiBT was contained to a bubble in Orlando, but these regular season matches shift back to all- or mostly-empty home stadiums.

The scheduled fixtures for this portion of the restarted season pit teams from similar geographic areas together in an effort to minimize the possible spread of COVID from market-to-market.

While it may be the quietest Cascadia rivalry match since the first 33 minutes of last year’s clash in Portland, it will certainly won’t lack in importance. Both teams will be eager to renew this vicious rivalry, which has had its longest break in action since the two clubs were in different leagues.

It’s also worth mentioning that this match will not count towards the official Cascadia Cup standings. As per thecascadiacup.com, “2020 matches not played in front of supporters….won’t count towards Cascadia Cup standings.”

The Hate is Still Real

While FC Dallas made headlines for allowing a limited number of fans in the stands, there will be none in attendance at Providence Park this evening. Ask any fan on either side if what happens on the pitch will mean anything less, though, and you’ll be treated to a solid “no.”

As always, there is no love lost between these clubs. As Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer recently reminded us, the hate runs much deeper than between the fans.

Expectations and Predictions

The Timbers are the favorites to win this match, but not by much as one might expect. Despite winning the MLSiBT, the Timbers are only at +130 to win, +245 to draw, and +190 to lose to the Sounders; according to Bovada.

The road teams have actually had the better of this series in the past few years. The last team that earned a home victory in this rivalry was the Timbers in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals back in 2018.

Overall, I still expect Portland to have the better of Seattle in this one. The Timbers showed they were the more thoroughly organized side, especially defensively. Portland’s attack has been more potent, as well, and I think they’re the better all-around squad coming into tonight’s match.

Prediction: 3-1 Timbers, with a goal from Jeremy Ebobisse in there somewhere.

Be sure to support our writers by signing up for our Patreon.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts