Two teams, one trophy to hoist for the ultimate winner and with both sides to write their own history come Saturday. With visiting NYCFC looking to win its first-ever league title and the host Portland Timbers looking for its second league prize.
With both managers already familiar with one another and dominance from the Rose City side over the Big Apple crew over the years, this match promises to be one exciting event. In addition, both men in the helm already met in 2020 in the Quarterfinals of the MLS is Back Tournament.
This match for Bronx Blues manager Ronnie Deila will be a sort of a rematch. Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese will look for business as usual and looking to bring another major trophy to Rose City.
Both managers are fervent believers of the 4-2-3-1 formations that have brought them a lot of satisfaction and triumphs for their respective teams to these stages. Here in this post, I will make a comparison between these two teams and see who can have the upper hand.
The Tale of the Tape.
Portland Timbers vs NYCFC
Goalies
Timbers keeper Steve Clark’s experience speaks highly of him, coming with a couple of shoutouts in the postseason. For Sean Johnson, he can become a difference-maker if the match goes into penalties.
Edge: NYCFC
Defense
In this postseason, the Portland Timbers defensive backfield has improved a lot and delivered memorable performances that have brought them to this final game. With Mabiala and Zuparic leading the defensive game, adding Claudio Bravo makes him a great asset on the outside and Josecarlos Van Rankin looking to play a good game will be the elements for success.
For NYCFC, their backfield has made a lot of headlines with Maxime Chanot and Alexander Callen leading the way for Tayvon Gray and Malte Amundsen on the outside. To protect and shut down a team that has the upper edge over them, will be one of the ingredients for a victory.
Edge: Even
Defensive Midfielders
Timbers Diego Chara and Cristhian Paredes have become a one-two force that completely shut down opposing attackers during the postseason, eliminating Minnesota, Colorado, and RSL. Limiting the latter two in their offensive game.
For New York, Alfredo Moralez and James Sands became seriously tough for opposing strikers as well Moralez experience. They for sure can spell trouble for their hosts offensive game.
Edge: Even
Midfielders
The Timbers with Sebastian Blanco miraculously recovered leading the way for Dairon Aspirilla and Yimmi Chara and Felipe Mora in the frontal attack. We will be seeing a lot of fireworks for the home team in the attack.
Still, don’t count the Bronx Blues out as they possess a very lethal frontal attack led by Maxi Morales in the middle and accompanied by Jesus Medina and Santiago Rodriguez, a gem in the attack. In addition, the Rose City side need to stop the offensive momentum of the New Yorkers alongside Taty Castellanos.
Forwards
Either Felipe Mora or Jaroslaw Niezgoda can neutralize the opposing defenses, but with Mora scoring 11 goals and Niezgoda only two after coming from IL, the need of these two is a must to set off the offensive game for the locals.
One thing the Big Apple side comes with is an arsenal in Taty Castellano,s the Golden Boot winner in this 2021 season, with 19 goals scored he as well will become a serious threat to the locals’ defense all afternoon long.
Edge: NYCFC
Bench
The Timbers with super sub-Diego Valeri, Santiago Moreno, or George Fochive in the end these can really play an important role as Moreno can become a difference-maker coming as a sub along with veteran Valeri.
New York comes with Heber and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, but the latter one somehow has entered a scoring slump. In the end, the team with more depth in its bench can become the difference makers in the end.
Edge: Portland Timbers
Dec 5, 2021; Chester, PA, USA; New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez (center) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union with forward Talles Magno (left) and midfielder Ismael Tajouri (back) during the second half of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 MLS Playoffs at Subaru Park. New York City FC won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Timbers
NYCFC
