Part II
Attack
The highlight of this season was the emergence of Santiago Moreno in the starting eleven as the 22-year-old had a stellar season scoring seven goals and eight assists. Not bad for a young player. Followed by Yimmi Chara who had a great start, but later slowed down his role on offense. The man managed to score four goals and nine assists.
Dairon Aspirilla, despite his slow start, the man in the end leveled it by scoring ten goals and two assists, followed by Jaroslaw Niezgoda who scored nine goals with two assists.
Sebastian Blanco had eight goals with nine assists in 32 games played. The the team overall scored 53 goals.
My conclusion is this team has a couple of prospects in Diego Gutierrez and Teka Ikoba, but in Gio’s eyes they weren’t ready and Gutierrez was sent to T2 where he became an impactful player for the Timbers academy club.
The Timbers lacked a leader and an effectiveness in the midfield, lacing the final touch in scoring the goals that could have been the goals that could have been the difference maker.
Photo Credit Portland Timbers FC
Last but not Least, Areas to Improve
Despite David Ayala not fulfilling his role and negative numbers in the end, the lad is still considered a prospect and he will develop into the great player many are expecting for him to grow into.
Seeing Santiago Moreno developing his skills and looking promising for next season, the man needs to double his stats in the assist department as well maybe score more than ten goals. Overall, the man is an excellent penalty kick taker and converts successfully.
I do foresee Santi becoming a stellar player, but not to compare with Diego Valeri or even Sebastian Blanco. Simply Santi will be himself and moving forward to contribute enormously to the Portland Timbers.
Juan David Mosquera, despite not making an impact looks very bright and promising and for sure will become a sure starter and become the defender the Timbers need.
Dairon Aspirilla needs to take the lead role alongside Yimmi Chara and become the Colombian Connection that can bring mayhem to opposing defenses, and for Dairon the need of delivering in every single game.
Claudio Bravo was an amazing incorporation and despite being a defender, the man stepped up his role offensively and became a difference maker in the end.
Aljaz Ivacic, what can I tell you about him being the revelation and despite the team missing the postseason in the end and next seasons the man will be for sure a difference maker under the Timbers arches.
Diego Chara reminds me of the Energizer bunny, he keeps getting better and better in every season and the man will continue to deliver memorable afternoons in the colossus of Goose Hollow.
Cristhian Paredes needs to step his game and show off his matureness in every game, and he gets the call and make the best of his opportunity to contribute for his club.
Zac McGraw delivered every time he started and is looking like the player the Timbers will rely on as their next starter in the center back position, the man has all the elements to succeed.
What the team needs to do in the Off season build its future.
In the offseason, the Timbers are in need of a creative midfielder or winger that can raise the level on offense very well look for a forward as well an experienced center back.
With Gavin Wilkinson gone, maybe Ned Gravaboy with his experience during his former boss days can start looking for some players to build ahead of this team future. It may be wishful thinking of getting a hold of players U-22, but I believe we already got our share.
Building ahead with the development of players such as Diego Gutierrez, Teka Ikoba, as well seeing Justin Rasmussen, Sivart Haugli and Julian Bravo; the future of this club and not their talent be wasted.
For Giovanni Savarese in his last season of his contract, maybe he can deliver an impactful season and became a little bold in promoting young players in maturing in their confidence in the field make them able to grow their careers.
Portland Timbers
