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Matias Almeyda

Whitecaps winger, Dajome getting a shot off on goal
Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps and Earthquakes Give Fans A Quiet Evening With 0-0 Draw

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

It’s not necessarily a step back, but it certainly was not a step forward. The Whitecaps took on the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday evening. Whitecaps, who have just one win in 14, were hoping this would be a kick off point to save the season. Alas, it was not meant to be as they picked up another draw this time ending in 0-0. 

Neither team looked to create much despite both being at the bottom of the league defensively. Both teams will look at it like two points lost as opposed to one point gained. Let’s dive right into the match. 

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

San Jose Earthquakes: 3-4-2-1

Match Review

I’m going to try something a little different this time around! Instead of giving the match stats, I’m going to go straight into the match review. If you readers would like me to include the stats going forward just let me know! 

Whitecaps midfielder, Teibert wrestling his way through two defenders

Image via Stan Szeto /USA TODAY Sports

“We always try to play for the three points,” head coach Marc Dos Santos said after the game. “There are some moments in the minutes 88 and 92 where we were pressing, we went for the three points.”“But again, when you don’t win, you don’t win.”

There seems to be a theme with this Whitecaps team. Always playing for all three points, but never able to finish it off in the end. Most matches they do just enough to stay in the match, but still don’t bring enough to push their opponents. 

The match kicked off on a rather quiet note for both teams. It seemed that neither team could break the other open. Although, five minutes in, Ryan Raposo had himself a cheeky dribble past the defender before setting up Brian White for an excellent chance on goal. White could not get his footing right and hit it right to the keeper. 

The Whitecaps kept the intensity up a little from there, but in the end both teams settled down more as the first half went on. At the 30th minute mark the Earthquakes had their best effort of the half thanks to an attempted volley from former Portland Timbers striker, Jeremy Ebodisse. Luciano Abecasis whipped in a lovely ball to the back post but big man Maxime Crepeau denied him the opportunity. 

As expected, based on the few chances either team had, the first half ends even at the break. Which is not surprising as both teams seemed content to end with a draw. Neither really played attractive football and because of that it made it borderline unwatchable. 

Not much happened until the 60th minute as Ebodisse found some room at the edge of the box and had a strong low driven shot which made Crepeau stretch to make a save and push the ball off the post and out. 

Not much else happened after that last chance for San Jose. While the game did open up when Dajome and Gauld arrived, their inclusion was more of a cautionary tale. It served as a reminder that Gauld alone, or any of the Whitecaps’ key players, are not going to be able to create a successful team on their own. They need the rest of the team to step up.

For the Whitecaps, it certainly doesn’t feel like a bad result per say. You can never complain about a road point but as a team who has struggled for more, you want all three points. Sitting last in the West, it’ll be hard for them to crawl out of this already big hole if they continue to dig it deeper. 

Post Match Thoughts

For a clash between 2 of the worst defensive teams in the league, one could expect some goals in this match but that unfortunately was not the case. Both teams share the spoils, and for the Whitecaps, they pick up their 4th clean sheet of the season.

That leaves the Whitecaps with 7 draws in their last 9 games now. Based on their play as of late, that shouldn’t be too surprising. The Earthquakes are in the same boat as now they have 6 in their last 8. Both sides have been struggling to put away matches and get all three points. It does explain their positions in the table.

Because of all that, it shouldn’t have been surprising to see both teams draw. With both sides just outside of the playoff picture right now, that’ll leave them to both rue what could’ve been, something they’ve both dealt with. For the Whitecaps’ sake, fans can only hope that turns around soon.

There is some good news coming! The Whitecaps are so close to finally heading  home and playing their first match at BC Place since last year. Missing players are slowly getting their names back into their squad, which along with the integration of some new faces, should give them a boost. Will it be enough to get them through this rut? Only time will tell. 

 

The Whitecaps have one more road match before they make their long-awaited return to BC Place. On Wednesday, they visit Austin FC for their first-ever meeting at Q2 Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. PT. live on TSN4/5 and ESPN+.

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Portland Timbers

Wounded Timbers take all three points in San Jose

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers (2-3-0, 6 pts, 9th in West) defeated the San Jose Earthquakes (3-3-0, 9 pts, 4th in West) 2-0 at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA on Saturday, May 15th, 2021. 

Eryk Williamson assisted both goals while squaring off with San Jose’s Jackson Yueill in midfield. Yueill was selected over Williamson for the U.S. Men’s National Team U23 squad that missed out on the Olympics a few months ago.

Portland’s newest goalkeeper, Logan Ketterer, made a massive penalty save to keep Portland’s lead intact, and the Timbers would go on to win the match 2-0. 

With nine players on the injured reserve list, Timbers Head Coach Giovanni Savarese elected to “park the bus” and look for counterattacking opportunities in this match. You can be the judge how that worked out. 

Match Recap

The opening few minutes started with a jolt. San Jose maintained most of the possession—as they would for the rest of the match—but a high press by Portland forced a turnover, which Eryk Williamson expertly weaved into a chance. As he popped the ball through to Yimmi Chará, Williamson got decked at the edge of the box. Referee Rosendo Mendoza called an advantage, but it was not needed. 

Yimmi Chará’s first goal in 2021 MLS play took the pressure off Portland mentally, but not physically. San Jose would work the ball around Portland’s half relentlessly, as the Timbers relied on counterattacks and the occasional high pressure to shake the Quakes off the ball. 

One such counter came in the 30′, as Portland pushed for a corner that nearly led to a headed Dario Župarić goal—his shot kissed off the post. On the other end, a nervous moment for Logan Ketterer reminded the Timbers that the match was still very close. 

Second Half

The Timbers leapt out to a quick start again in the second half, with Andy Polo nearly assisting Felipe Mora merely seconds into the half. His shot missed wide right, but it was a good sign for the Timbers. 

That chance would be one of many for Portland in the first 15 minutes of the second period. Mora himself had a chance from his head (51′, blocked by defender) and his feet (55′, saved incredibly by J.T. Marcinkowski) before Bill Tuiloma had a header go wide. 

While the Quakes started breaking Portland’s front line, the chances continued. Pablo Bonilla had maybe the best of the second half, as his beautiful one-two with Mora gave him a decent look at goal in the six yard box. Unfortunately, his left-footed shot was over the bar. 

Just when it seemed like Portland were taking control, disaster struck. Claudio Bravo used his arm to block a Carlos Fierro cross, giving the ageless Chris Wondolowski a chance to level the tie from the spot—but Logan Ketterer rose to the occasion. 

Ketterer, who was brought on as an emergency loanee signing after three Timbers ‘keepers went down with injuries, had an amazing night between the sticks for Portland. In all, he made four saves and one punch—none more important than the penalty stop. 

The missed penalty gave Portland another jolt of confidence. The Timbers kept fighting as San Jose turned up the heat. 

Jeremy Ebobisse’s night ended somewhat conspicuously as he limped off the field after grabbing his calf. Dairon Asprilla had already been slated to come on, and Jebo limped around to the bench in the 68′. 

With Portland needing an insurance goal, Williamson came up big once again. After a bit of offensive pressure from Portland, Williamson whipped in a perfect ball to Marvin Loría, whose header over Marcinkowski gave the Timbers a 2-0 lead with just over 15 minutes to play. 

Andy Polo became an unsung hero from tonight, with a match-high four chances created despite having zero assists to his name. He would be replaced by Renzo Zambrano in the 72′. 

Diego Valeri, Jose Van Rankin, and Zac McGraw would make appearances in the 82′, replacing Mora, Loría, and Bonilla, respectively. 

San Jose chased a goal with everything they had, but Portland’s defense held firm. The best chance came and went as Benjamin Kikanovic watched his header spin wide of the post in the 93′, but the match was already out of reach. A huge win for Portland in such unlikely fashion will serve the Timbers well as the regular season heats up. 

Takeaways

Timbers fans (including myself) might not have had much faith in the team entering Saturday night, but Gio did. This match threw massive shades of the 2018 playoff run in Savarese’s inaugural season—a tough road win in which, on paper, the Timbers seemed outmatched, turned into a glorious victory as Portland put away enough chances. 

A massive win for the Timbers during an exceptionally-tough period, and counterattacking the way God (I mean, Gio) intended. 

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

Expectations and Predictions: Portland Timbers at San Jose Earthquakes

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers (1-3-0, 3 pts, 12th in West) are in San Jose to take on the Earthquakes (3-2-0, 9 pts, 2nd in West) after both teams fell to the first-place Seattle Sounders in the last week. Portland hosted the Sounders on Sunday and fell 2-1, while San Jose hosted on Wednesday and lost 1-0. 

Shaking Things Up

San Jose’s impressive start has been led by the young American duo of Cade Cowell and Jackson Yueill.

Let’s start with Cowell. He is Matias Almeyda’s new center forward (after the departure of Danny Hoesen to Austin and the aging of Chris Wondolowski), but nothing is so straightforward with Almeyda. His man-marking system isn’t as intense as it once was, but it still requires constant awareness and movement from every Earthquake. Enter Cowell, who at 17 years old has the energy to contribute on offense and defense. He’s scored twice and assisted thrice in five matches, but his defensive numbers may be even more impressive. 

Cowell grades out near the top of most statistical comparisons for MLS forwards, including the 96th percentile for tackles + interceptions and the 96th percentile for tackles in the defensive third. Check out his full Football Reference Scouting Report to see all of his glittering green bars. 

Yueill, a defensive midfielder who was part of the U-23 U.S. Men’s National Team that ultimately failed to qualify for the Olympics, has been the glue in the center of San Jose’s 4-3-3 so far this season. He scored twice against DC United and grades out well as a high-volume passer. 

The Quakes enter this match scoring two goals per game (T-2nd in MLS). Their three wins (Houston, DC United, and Real Salt Lake) have included some memorable goals, including Yueill’s stunner against DC and the immortal Wondo coming onto score a brace for a comeback win in Utah. 

Short-staffed in Stumptown

Overall, this is not the time Portland want to be playing San Jose (or really anyone, for that matter). The Timbers are perhaps the most banged-up team in MLS, with an injury list so long I had to double-check it. 

There are five starters on this list, not including second- and third-string goalkeepers. After Jeff Attinella and Larrys Mabiala left Sunday’s game against Seattle with injuries, the news only got worse. Giovanni Savarese confirmed this week that Diego Chará, the man historically most critical to Portland’s success, also strained a hamstring. (His backup, Cristhian Paredes, is still out for an extended period.) 

The Timbers added a goalkeeper to the roster on Thursday, signing Logan Ketterer to a loan deal from USL-Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC. With 19-year-old Hunter Sulte as the only healthy goalie on the roster, this makes a ton of sense. Ketterer was actually one of the best ‘keepers in the USL-C last season, ranking first in regular season clean sheets (8 in 16 matches) and fifth in save percentage (78.3%).

Not to mention Sulte has had one of the rudest introductions to a pro career one could ask for: a four-goal thrashing in Dallas with a C-team lineup and a second-half-substitute appearance while losing to your bitter rival (which so happens to be the best team in the league). The goals he’s given up haven’t even necessarily been his fault, but that’s just the way it goes. 

With all that in mind, here’s my prediction for Portland’s starting XI on Saturday:

The Timbers do have Jeremy Ebobisse back, and I have a hard time thinking that Gio will prefer Dairon Asprilla over JeboOnTheWing™ if the latter is up to full speed. I would not be surprised to see Jebo starting at center forward and Asprilla or Marvin Loría in that winger spot.

Prediction

I’m not feeling very well about this match, and it’s not just because I ate Cheez-Its for breakfast and lunch today. I would applaud a draw, though I understand a loss is very likely. The only silver lining is that this will be San Jose’s third match in a week, but I still expect them to be prepared.

Either way, we’ll see, but I’m predicting a 2-1 loss Saturday night. 

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Secure Crucial Win Against San Jose!

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez


Image via MLS

Image via MLS

For both teams tonight, this was a crucial match to earn all three points. Both San Jose Earthquakes and the Vancouver Whitecaps are just barely grasping on the line for the playoffs in an already difficult Western Conference.  What a thrilling match this turned out to be! The Whitecaps came back from behind with two second half goals to secure the dub! This put them just above San Jose, who bested them last time in California. With goals coming from a brilliant Adnan free-kick and then Tosaint Ricketts to finish it off. 

Lineups: 

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-4-2

A few note regarding the starting XI for VWFC tonight:

  • Bikel replaces Baldi in the midfield

  • Ricketts replaces Teibert on the wing, playing out of position

  • Dajome takes Teiberts Left Wing spot as Ricketts takes the right

  • The start of the last 4 remaining fixtures of the regular season

San Jose Earthquakes: 4-1-4-1

Match Stats

VWFC Man of the Match: Cristian Dájome

Referee: Marcos de Oliveira

Scoring Summary

24′ – SJ – Carlos Fierro (assisted by Cristian Espinoza)

51′ – VAN – Ali Adnan

57′ – VAN – Tosaint Ricketts (assisted by Christian Dajome)

Statistics

Possession: VAN 38.7% – SJ 61.3%

Shots: VAN 9 – SJ 10

Shots on Goal: VAN 4 – SJ 2

Saves: VAN 1 – SJ 2

Fouls: VAN 17 – SJ 7

Offsides: VAN 0 – SJ 0

Corners: VAN 6 – SJ 6

Cautions

82′ – SJ– Marcos Lopez (yellow)

90’+1′ – VAN – Russell Teibert (yellow)

90’+3′ – VAN – Leonard Owusu (yellow)

Match Review

The Whitecaps win! After a tough loss last week to bottom of the table, LA Galaxy, the boys rallied behind two second half goals from Adnan and Ricketts. In this crucial Western Conference match, both teams needed to walk away with all three points to secure themselves a spot in the playoffs. This win is a huge boost for the teams playoff hopes. Now let’s get into the exciting stuff, THE GOALS. 

San Jose took control of the game early and looked very dangerous on the attack. In typical Whitecaps fashion, the boys  conceded the match’s first goal, which was pretty brutal defensively to be fair. The goal came from the Earthquakes in the 24th minute from Fierro. 

The defensive breakdown began down the left side with Ali Adnan, who was a bit out of position, pushing up the field too much before being outrun by Christian Espinoza. While Adnan should have positioned himself better, the glaring worry came on the finish. Nerwinski was nowhere to be found when a wide open Carlos Fierro volleyed an easy shot past Evan Bush. 

Despite a slightly disappointing first half, the Whitecaps stayed resilient as they would overturn the result with a pair of scores in a six-minute span early into the second half.

The first came from an Adnan laser off a free kick from long distance in the 51st minute.

With the momentum shifting, Cristian Dájome kept the pressure on the Quakes defense with an attacking run down the left side, burning USMNT regular, Nick Lima. Their keeper got a touch on the initial shot but was helpless against Ricketts’ put back goal. Perfect positioning and run from Ricketts, who nets his second goal of the season. 

As the second half drew to its final moments, the already scary Whitecaps defense looked as though it would concede late again, similar to last week against  LA. Galaxy. However, after a few late substitutes, along with crafty shit housery, the Whitecaps held on to win 2-1. This also puts them two slots above the line into 7th place. 

Post Match Thoughts

With a bit of luck, and a lot of fight, the Whitecaps now sit in seventh place in the Western Conference, one spot on Earthquakes. Both Salt Lake and Houston, both drew their matches earlier on Saturday, giving the boys  a leg up heading into these last 3 matches. However, the team to keep an eye on is the Colorado Rapids. Due to COVID related issues, they were forced away from the pitch for nearly a month due. Colorado lost 4-0 in their first match back,  but the amount of games they have in hand, SIX,  could flip the conference on its head if they manage to go on a solid run. 

Now onto the defensive shape for the match… 

The problem on the goal is two-fold: Nerwinski had to be more accountable for the defensive positioning of the centre backs, but our more zonal marking system also left him a bit lost as to where he needed to be. A more zonal defensive shape can be beneficial, however, if the player is not in the correct areas, the whole shape falls apart. The system appeared to be a problem for the Whitecaps all night, but fortunately, San Jose could only capitalize on the one goal. 

While I think that playing a zone style defense can be very beneficial, especially combined with a high press, it requires the correct instructions. Especially from the fullbacks and central midfielders. Yes you can win the battle in the midfield, but then if you’re caught out, then it will be a bit easy to counter attack. Just like the goal San Jose scored. MDS is finally sorting things out, but I hope he can keep it going against some of the toughest opponents in the West. 

While the Whitecaps may have scrapped out a win today, they have a very tough outing these next three matches. Sounders, Timbers, then lastly LA Galaxy. Luckily they do not have to travel as they are staying put in Portland for the remainder of the regular season, and hopefully the playoffs as well! 

Here’s a little something to help brighten the mood as well!

Let’s hope the boys can keep their match fitness going into their next match against the league leaders, Seattle Sounders back at Providence Park on Tuesday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT live on TSN and ESPN +

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Portland Timbers

Timbers-Quakes recap

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

Portland came out much stronger than they did on Wednesday, this time being the aggressors and going after San Jose’s possession.

Instead of chasing the game, Portland came out to get it, and the plan paid off in the first half.

Diego Valeri got on the scoresheet first from the spot in the 25th minute after Cristhian Paredes won a penalty via a handball.

King Jebo struck next thanks in part to a great ball from Villafaña (and from his natural position, no less!).

The Timbers built a two-goal lead, but San Jose punched back at the end of the first half.

Portland picked up the pace in the second half—a great sign for a number of reasons—and grabbed the all-important fourth goal courtesy of a deflected shot from Valeri.

Yimmi Chará earned his second goal in as many matches after a saved shot from Ebobisse.

The goals kept leaking through San Jose’s defense, and the next Timber to capitalize was Julio Cascante—and for his first time as a Timber, no less!

Niezgoda’s late goal was the final nail in the coffin, sealing a fantastic all-around appearance from the Timbers.

This was an important moment for Portland. Doubt creeped into everyone’s mind after that last result, so it was good for the boys to cement themselves above the Earthquakes’ level in this match.

Portland’s next match is another Cascadian Clash against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at 7pm PT.

[Image via @TimbersFC]

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Portland Timbers

Timbers look to regain momentum against lowly Quakes

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers will hit the road again to take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 at 6:30pm PT.


Image via MLS

Image via MLS

Portland are coming off a tough loss to LAFC, and a second half wherein the Timbers looked like they were playing as if the score was drawn.

San Jose snagged a point from the L.A. Galaxy after a string of bottom-of-the-barrel performances since the restart.

Training

One of the biggest issues for the Timbers has been their inability to train at their usual facility in Beaverton. Due to the hazardous smoke that has enveloped much of the West coast for the past week or so, the Timbers have had to move their training indoors.

You might visualize indoor professional soccer training as some massive facility with a bunch of fields, but really it’s just a futsal court. One futsal court.

Understandably, Savarese called the facilities “too small” when asked about the challenges they’ve presented.

“We’re very thankful that at least we have a place to train,” said Gio. “It is very different…We need to make sure that we take any difficult situation and adapt to it.”

For what it’s worth, the Earthquakes have had their own training restrictions as well. Overall, training conditions should not have an affect on the outcome of this match, and here’s why.

San Jose are Bad

The Quakes have not won a match since the first round of the MLS is Back knockout round. That match, in which Real Salt Lake earned two red cards, took place on July 27th.

Since then, the Quakes have lost four matches (including a 7-1 drubbing from the Sounders) and drawn twice—most recently, a scoreless draw against L.A. Galaxy in the Cali Clasico on Sunday.

Matias Almeyda’s side is spectacularly underperforming, but he’s still the manager and the games aren’t slowing down. While that gives Almeyda less time in training, it gives the team more chances to turn things around on the field.

Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore

San Jose are flirting with the bottom of the table in the West. There is little margin for error for Portland, either; the Timbers are in the thick of a tight Western Conference playoff race. (As of Tuesday morning,) only four points separate third-place Minnesota from tenth-place Colorado. At this stage, every single game is crucial.

Portland and San Jose will meet again this Saturday. Wednesday’s match is a rescheduling of last month’s postponement in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting.

Losing to San Jose would be an embarrassment for the Timbers, but doing it twice would be even worse. Of course, this could be a nice six-point swing for Portland heading into the latter stages of the regular season.

Expectations and Predictions

San Jose were about as bad as a team can get last week, but they’re on the rise after holding Christian Pavón and the fifth-place Galaxy scoreless. The Timbers are…well…the Timbers. Inconsistency has been the name of the game after an MLSiBT Final win, awful restart, impressive bounce-back in Seattle, and subsequent first-half collapse against LAFC.

Based on most recent results, it makes sense that the Quakes are +135 favorites to win (Timbers +175, draw +280) on Bovada.

Still, the Timbers should take three points from this match. I predict a dominant 3-0 victory that quells negativity and gives Portland a huge confidence boost. I also predict a Valeri goal and some big saves from Steve Clark.

  • A fun fact to close this one out: Only three Earthquakes players have scored multiple MLS goals against the Timbers, and Chris Wondolowski has done so 11 times. The other two (Danny Hoesen and Alan Gordon [lol]) each have just two.

Follow @doublepostpod for live reactions/discussion during the match, and catch my postgame recap right here after the final whistle. Go Timbers!

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