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Yimmi Chara

Portland Timbers

Resting Timbers drop three points in Dallas

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers lost 4-1 to FC Dallas this Saturday, and that’s OK.

Why? Because with a trip to Mexico City on everyone’s mind, this was the starting lineup:

MLS debuts for Hunter Sulte and Zac McGraw went alongside season debuts for Andy Polo and, later, Jeremy Ebobisse.

Dallas switched from a back-three to back-four after conceding three goals in under an hour against San Jose last week.

Match Highlights

It wouldn’t take long for FC Dallas to strike first (96 seconds, to be exact). Andres Ricuarte put the finishing touches from a simple overload combination through the legs of Dario Župarić.

 

 

In the 12′, disaster struck again for the Timbers. A direct-flight clearance from Phelipe bounced past Renzo Zambrano and perfectly into the path of JĆ”der Obrian, who chipped Sulte to gain a 2-0 lead.

Felipe Mora and Claudio Bravo, two guys who will probably get starting minutes on Wednesday, each had half-chances

If the overall quality of play wasn’t enough to disgust you, FC Dallas’ third goal before halftime probably did. Sulte fumbled an original save and Bressan cleaned up the rebound to make it 3-0.

Portland made a line change in the second half, bringing on Diego Valeri, Eryk Williamson, Dairon Asprilla, and Josecarlos van Rankin. Mora, CharĆ”, Polo, and Bravo were the departures.

Portland’s attack pricked up instantly, pushing Dallas into danger before their announcers could even finish the substitutions.

Zac McGraw nearly scored on his debut by heading a corner hard and down, but it hit bar-out and Župarić couldn’t get to the rebound.

Portland’s breakthrough would come in the 62′. Williamson played a beautiful one-two with Valeri and slid the finish past Phelipe for the goal. The tone of the game had undoubtedly begun to shift.

Dallas’ own reinforcements would follow in the 67′, as Edwin Cerrillo and Franco Jara replaced the youngsters, Tessmann and Pepi.

Jeremy Ebobisse made his return to the pitch after missing the start of the season. He was subbed in for Bodily in the 75′.

Ryan Hollingshead provided the best entertainment of the night by threatening Gio Savarese with a throw-in. No, I’m not joking.

Dallas were clearly getting frustrated as they had a much harder time against Portland’s fresh legs, but they would get their sealer courtesy of Dante Sealy in the 85′.

For Timbers fans, there’s really not too much to be mad about from this game:

  • The starters only got 45 minutes each (rest for Club AmĆ©rica!)
  • The game was over at halftime (low-stress!)
  • Portland were the better side in the 2nd half (validation!)

As for FC Dallas, they deserved this win. Two quick goals, a third before half, and held their own in the second.

FollowĀ @doublepostpodĀ for total coverage of tonightā€™s match (and every match!), including our postgame reaction podcast later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

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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 continentā€”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 AmƩrica 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 JosƩ 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 GrĆŖmio 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 CharĆ”. Dairon Asprilla, Larrys Mabiala, Yimmi CharĆ”, Dario Župarić, Diego Valeri, Eryk Williamson, JosĆ© van Rankin, and Felipe Mora are the other regular starters who played in the Houston match and logged at least 70 minutes against Club AmĆ©rica.

For those keeping track, that’s all ten starting field playersā€”not counting SebastiĆ”n 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 Saturdayā€”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 CharĆ” except for the fact that he’s Diego CharĆ”. 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 CharĆ” 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 LorĆ­a 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.

FollowĀ @doublepostpodĀ for total coverage of tonightā€™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 AmƩrica 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 AmĆ©rica’s Mauro LaĆ­nez scuffed an ambitious effort well wide. JosĆ© MartĆ­nez 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 AmƩrica.

AmĆ©rica’s right winger, Leonardo SuĆ”rez, received a yellow card in the 33′ for a little extra contact thrown at Dairon Asprilla.

Speaking of contact, AmĆ©rica center back SebĆ”stian CĆ”ceres could have received a yellow of his own for heading Mora in the, well, head in the 38′. Dario ŽuparićĀ wouldĀ receive one in the 40′ for a rough challenge on SuĆ”rez, 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 SƔnchez and missed the ball, giving up an ultra-costly penalty in the process.

Roger Martƭnez calmly slid the penalty past Attinella and AmƩrica 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 CharĆ” 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 MartĆ­nez 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 aĀ late goal.

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Portland Timbers

Expectations and Predictions: Timbers vs Club AmƩrica Leg 1

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers will host Mexican giants Club AmƩrica 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 uncertaintyā€”Portland find themselves underdogs, even at home, against the biggest club in North America.

The Visitors

Club AmĆ©rica 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, AmĆ©rica 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 AmĆ©rica. 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.

AmĆ©rica 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′.

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

If there was ever a time to be facing AmƩrica, 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 AmĆ©rica’s 23-year-old playmaker SebastiĆ”n CĆ³rdova will be unavailable for the first leg, which is a huge loss for them.

Pedro Aquino and Richard Sanchez are the central midfielders, with Ɓlvaro Fidalgo playing in front of them as another creator. Mauro LaĆ­nez may flank the left side, while MartĆ­n could fill in on the right for CĆ³rdova.

In defense, Club AmĆ©rica’s center backs may be exploitable. SebĆ”stian CĆ”ceres 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 wasnā€™t always easy. The Dynamo exploited Portlandā€™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, Iā€™m sure LaĆ­nez and MartĆ­n can, too.

The Timbers are still without Jarosław Niezgoda and Jeremy Ebobisse, and SebastiĆ”n Blanco is listed as ā€œdoubtfulā€ after Giovanni Savarese said he was ā€œnot as close [to returning] as we expected.ā€ 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.

Itā€™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 isnā€™t an area of overconfidence for me right now.

But as long as Portland can defend set pieces, they should be fine. Both goals theyā€™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 Iā€™ve had as a Timbers writer: give me a 3-0 win for the Boys in Green. Felipe Mora will score one of them.

FollowĀ @doublepostpodĀ for total coverage of tonightā€™s match (and every match!), including our postgame reaction podcast later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

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Portland Timbers

Yimmi CharĆ” nets hat trick in Timbersā€™ 5-0 destruction of CD MarathĆ³n

by Charlie Folkestad
written by Charlie Folkestad

The Portland Timbers knew they were the better side after their first match against CD MarathĆ³n, 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 CharĆ”, as well as goals from Diego Valeri and Marvin LorĆ­a.


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 SebastiƔn 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 CharĆ”, 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 MarathĆ³n. Asprilla committed two early fouls and got a stern warning from referee IvĆ”n 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 Chileanā€™s shot rocketed off the goalkeeper. His third successful cross found the back of the net again, and again it was Yimmi CharĆ” reaping the benefits.

Yimmi CharĆ” 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 MarathĆ³n player elected to take a touch instead of smacking a looping ball into the net.

MarathĆ³n 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. MarathĆ³n clearly emphasized minimizing the central open space in front of their box at halftimeā€”and they were doing a good job of itā€”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 CharĆ” could have completed his hat trick but couldnā€™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.

Portlandā€™s first substitution came in the 68th minute, as Marvin LorĆ­a replaced Felipe Mora. MarathĆ³n used their fifth sub moments later. LorĆ­a 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 CharƔ, who slotted it home for the first hat trick by a Timbers player since FrƩdƩric 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.

LorĆ­a 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 Portlandā€™s second leg against CD MarathĆ³n

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers will face CD MarathĆ³n in Providence Park at 5pm PT this evening for the second leg of their Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 clash versus CD MarathĆ³n 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 SebastiĆ”n Blanco and Jeremy Ebobisse for the first leg, and both should be backā€”if not startingā€”for the second.


My expected starting XI for today

My expected starting XI for today

Donā€™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. Weā€™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. MarathĆ³n 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 MarathĆ³n will need two to win. Portland certainly have the more talented roster, so this isnā€™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 MarathĆ³n 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 tonightā€™s match, including our postgame reaction podcast later this evening.

As always, RCTID!

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Portland Timbers

Portland vs Dallas: Playoff expectations and predictions

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers will host FC Dallas in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs tonight at 7pm on ESPN. Dallas is one of the only teams Portland is yet to face this season, and this single-leg elimination game is instantly the biggest of the season.


Image by Devin L'Amoreaux and Jared Martinez via MLS

Image by Devin L’Amoreaux and Jared Martinez via MLS

If youā€™re reading this, you probably know Portland is the third seed and Dallas is the sixth. Bovada has the Timbers as +115 favorites, with Dallas at +220 and a draw at +260. FiveThirtyEight.com gives Portland a 62% chance to advance, compared to Dallasā€™ 38%.

Remember, though, this match will go to penalties should it go the distance. As of right now, weā€™ve seen two playoff games go to extra time and penalties: Orlandoā€™s goalkeeper fiasco ended in a field player making the game-winning save against NYCFC, while Sporting KCā€™s Tim Melia saved all three of San Joseā€™s attempts in the shortest shootout in MLS history.

The Timbers do have penalty experience earlier this season after defeating FC Cincinnati on kicks from the spot in the first knockout round of the MLS is Back Tournament.

FC Dallas are carried by Andres Ricuarte, a hard-working central midfielder who was signed over the summer; as well as veteran defenders Matt Hedges and Ryan Hollingshead. Dallas also have key players out for the season: Paxton Pomykal suffered a season-ending hip injury, while Czech striker Zdeněk OndrĆ”Å”ek and right back Reggie Cannon were transferred to Europe.

Whoā€™s in and whoā€™s out?

The Timbers flirted with the idea of Felipe Mora and Andy Polo being shunned for this match because of the COVID restrictions surrounding their World Cup Qualifying appearances in South America, but MLSā€™s chartered flights plan has them on track to be ready for this game.

The official injury report lists SebastiƔn Blanco (right ACL surgery), Julio Cascante (left ankle), Jaroslaw Niezgoda (left ACL tear) as OUT, but that list will also include Dairon Asprilla after the MLS Disciplinary Committee gave him a retroactive suspension.

Jeremy Ebobisse is listed as questionable, and Savarese was not tipping his hand about who was in or out during his last press conference.

I expect Mora to start up top, with Yimmi CharĆ” on the left wing and either a healthy Ebobisse or Marvin LorĆ­a on the right. Diego Valeri in the center supported by Diego CharĆ” and Eryk Williamson is what we can definitely expect. The defense will include Jorge VillafaƱa (third-best left-back in MLS?), Dario Župarić, Larrys Mabiala, and either Pablo Bonilla or Chris Duvall at right back. Steve Clark will be in goal.

Personally, I think Duvall is better-equipped to get the start tonight. Although heā€™s dealt with injuries and missed a lot of time this season, heā€™s more experienced and less error-prone than Bonilla.

Prediction

Dallas is one of the worst goal-scoring teams in the league (only 1.3 goals per match), and Portlandā€™s average is 2.0. The Timbers concede 1.5 goals per game, though, compared to FCDā€™s 1.1.

Just like two years ago (in a knockout match in Dallas), I think this match will come down to individuals doing insane things. Last time, it was Diego Valeri. Even in 2018, we had naive questions about Valeriā€™s age that became silenced. Whoā€™s to say he still canā€™t produce his magic?

3-1 Timbers, and Valeri gets a goal and assistā€”the assist will come off a corner kick. I donā€™t know how or why any of this will or wonā€™t happen. But I do know one thing: Iā€™m beyond excited for this match!

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

And, as always, Go Timbers!

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Portland Timbers

Expectations, predictions for Timbers vs Rapids

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers will look to deny the Colorado Rapids a playoff spot tonight at 7pm in Providence Park. The match will be shown on ESPN+ nationally and Fox 12 Plus (KPDX) locally.


Image by Carol Munro via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Image by Carol Munro via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

The Rapids were hit by multiple waves of COVID-19 throughout their organization in the past month-plus, and this has forced them to postpone or cancel a whole host of matches.

In turn, this forced Major League Soccer to move to a points-per-game format for standings and playoff purposes. Colorado are clinging to 7th place at 1.38 PPG, just ahead of San Jose (1.29), Vancouver (1.09) and LA Galaxy (1.05). These four teams are fighting for the last two playoff spots.

The Rapids need just a win or draw to lock in their playoff spot, and a surprising 3-1 win over Seattle on Sunday was a huge step towards that goal.

This very well could be a preview of Portlandā€™s first-round opponent, as the Timbers are currently 0.1 PPG ahead of second-place Sporting Kansas City. The MLS playoff format matches teams up by seeds 1-8. There will be no first-round byes.

The Timbers still have an outside shot at winning their first-ever MLS Supportersā€™ Shield, awarded to the best regular-season team. They currently trail Philadelphia and Toronto (2.0 PPG each) and tied with Orlando and Columbus (1.81 each).

Portlandā€™s new Designated Player, Jarosław Niezgoda, suffered a torn ACL in the late stages of the Timbersā€™ 1-0 win against Vancouver last Sunday. Many expected head coach Giovanni Savarese to rest players after clinching a playoff spot, but he elected to go for the points and home-field advantage in the playoffs.

I expect the Timbers to do the same down the stretch now. Gio clearly wants the team to be on a hot streak entering the playoffs.

Injury Report

Timbers

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

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

  • OUT: Jaroslaw Niezgoda (F) – left ACL tear

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

  • QUESTIONABLE: Jeremy Ebobisse (F) – concussion

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

Rapids

  • OUT: Kortne Ford (D) – knee injury

  • OUT: Collen Warner (M) – undisclosed injury

Odds and Predictions

Colorado will come out aggressive, and Iā€™m excited to see how the Timbers will respond. If the Timbers get the first goal, the Rapids will be fiending for an equalizer. Hopefully this will become a chance for Portland to create some counter-attacking opportunities with Colorado chasing a result.

Portlandā€™s odds have slowly dropped (now at +115 via MLSsoccer.com), but Colorado is still lagging as +225 underdogs. Colorado has only beaten the Timbers once in Providence Park in MLS, although they did earn two draws in their last two matches against Portland (2-2 in July of last season and a 3-3 thriller in the snow as 2019ā€™s season opener).

Colorado may be more motivated tonight, but the Timbers are simply the better team. Iā€™m predicting a 3-1 win for Portland, with at least one own goal and at least two successful counter-attacks across the board.

I would also love to see Jeremy Ebobisse as the lone central forward at some point tonight. Heā€™s mainly been used as a winger this season with both Felipe Mora and Niezgoda producing goals at center forward, so I want to evaluate how he performs up top.

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

And, as always, Go Timbers!

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Portland Timbers

Timbers bash Galaxy 5-2, clinch playoff berth

by Kevin Nesgoda
written by Kevin Nesgoda

The Portland Timbers defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy by a score of 5-2 Wednesday night, with a first-half brace from Jarosław Niezgoda and goals from Diego Valeri, Eryk Williamson, and Andy Polo as well. Portland has now clinched a playoff berth for the fourth straight season.

Lineups

Flores gets his second consecutive start after scoring against Seattle last game, while Bonilla gets a start over Duvall and Niezgoda up top with Jebo and Mora out.

The Galaxy remained without the services of their DP striker, Javier ā€œChicharitoā€ Hernandez, who apparently sustained another injury in training last week.

Match Recap

As soon as I was able to get the stream working, Jarek Niezgoda poked a cross into the back of the net! Six minutes in and the Timbers were up 1-0.

It only took 15 more minutes for Jarek and the Timbers to find the back of the net once more, this time with a glancing header off a skewed shross.

Portland were controlling all aspects of the match comfortably, and the Galaxy found themselves down 3-0 after conceding a handball in the box via a Yimmi CharĆ” cross. Niezgoda had a chance to record the first Timbers hat trick since expansion.

Valeri moved his season scoring total up to eight, and the Timbers seemed to have the game in their grasp. Whatā€™s moreā€”Portland wasnā€™t giving an inch to the Galaxy. With a 3-0 lead heading into half, it felt like a convincing win might finally be upon us.

Our hearts sank as Pavon capitalized on a horrid mistake to make it 3-1 right after the second half began. It felt like a second could be upon us, and from thereā€”who knows?

Then Eryk Williamson calmed everyoneā€™s nerves.

The hat-trick dream ended in the 72nd minute as Mora came on for Jarek, but the collectiveā€™s attention pivoted to Andy Polo on the wing, who smashed an other-worldly goal past Klinsmann to make it 5-1.

Polo is a carbon copy of Dairon Asprillaā€”whoā€™s still on the roster by the way, just out for the seasonā€”after all, it is October.

Pavon pulled another goal back in the 90th minute after Clark spilled the potential save, but all that did was make the final score slightly less convincing.

[cover image via @TimbersFC]

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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. Portlandā€™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.

Portlandā€™s efforts were rewarded in the 11th minute as Villafanaā€™s cross found Mora in the box. Mora took up two defenders, which freed up space for a Yimmi CharĆ” 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 Valeriā€”the latter scuffing the crowded attempt wide.

Seattle had a few quick flights forward, but Portlandā€™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 sidesā€”notably Seattle, who were already feeling shorted by Elfathā€™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 Pauloā€™s hand in the 47th minute, but Valeriā€™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 CharĆ” 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 64ā€™, Farfan conceded the softest of free kicks on the right side before Lodeiroā€™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 Seattleā€™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 Portlandā€™s mid after breaking the light press. Flores came off for Bonilla in the 73rd minute in what seemed like a defensive sub, but Bonillaā€™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 Morrisā€™ angle was cut off and Lodeiroā€™s shot drifted over the bar.

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

Niezgoda replaced Mora in the 83ā€™, just before Shane Oā€™Neill sent a wide open header wide of the far post.

The match morphed from ā€œSeattle having most of the ball and attacking with itā€ to ā€œSeattle having all of the ball and attacking ferociously.ā€

Williamson nearly dribbled through Seattleā€™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.

Seattleā€™s eighth corner of the night was flicked on and put home by Will Bruin at the back post in the 93rd minute. Itā€™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]

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