Photo Credit: Rene Rodriguez
LAFC 0-Portland Timbers 0
Twelve and counting for these hardened Portland Timbers. So far in this campaign the Rose City squad has played an amazing game of football. Blame it on confidence that their new man in its helm, so far is injecting in this squad. Still one thing I really am very impressed is their all-around defensive boost! Not to forget to mention their intentions of opening the score with several tries and these came up empty. However, I do credit the effort put in by the Rose City Boys all afternoon long.
For this match, manager Gio Savarese did pull another trick from under his sleeve. With another of his bold moves, he suddenly was seeing the seriousness of his foe. For this match the man with the multiple formations sent one with a more defensive twist. After LAFC manager Bob Bradley senT a more offensive oriented 4-3-3 formation, Gio had to counter it with a more conservative 3-5-1-1 formation. He was certainly aware of the attack in the front with Carlos Vela leading along with Adama Diomande and Diego Rossi. This match was one that certainly put the Timbers run of perfection in peril. This is something that the LAFC was coming too from a winning streak and playing at home, these Angelinos were one unstoppable entity.
As hard work is paying off for manager Savarese strategies as well his project, he put in writing and now is delivering positive results. Despite this match ending in a tie, once again this result felt like an all-around victory for the Rose City Boys. Despite both squads having a number of shoots at each other’s posts, still for Portland were the ones on target and near of scoring.
Another notable moment to highlight was the performance of Diego Chara in the midfield. With his rough game and overzealous defending this man is one inspiration in this squad defensive revival of its game. After Gio sent a five man midfield and with Alvas Powell and Zarek Valentin in the wings to reinforce the defense. This strategy worked wonders for the Portland squad all afternoon long. By denying any liberties or display the game, the LA Boys are the most comfortable.
At home or on the road, these Portland Timbers are playing with conviction and consistency in every match. Come this Wednesday for the Portland Timbers to play round two against the LAFC. However, this time it is in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.
Goals
No goals
Highlight of the Match
This is becoming a routine for me to give a notable mention to the whole of Portland initial eleven. Still we have a couple of stellar players in Diego Chara and Jeff Attinella. As the man from Colombia in every match, he is the engine that drives the Portland renascent defensive game into a new upgrade
Forget last campaigns after this squad struggle has meant many upsets this squad encountered. This time the man has company in an inspired defensive backfield with each one of its members are delivering with an all-around efforts and result visible shown. For Chara in his performance in this match a writer in Major League Soccer dared to compare him to the likes of Chelsea defensive midfielder N’Golo Kanté.
We agree completely to such comparison as this chap was vital for Leicester City and Chelsea in their title winning campaigns. Kante defensively is considered one of the best in the Premiership and the same title going to Diego Chara in MLS.
To close with another amazing performance under the Portland arches is Jeff Attinella. Pound per pound the tops in this campaign of goalkeepers. After another spectacular performance and making, a whooping six saves.
Next Match
Portland Timbers (8-3-6, 30 points) vs LAFC (10-4- 5, 35 points) Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinal match at Banc of California Stadium Los Angeles, California 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
LAFC
Portland
