Atlanta United 1: Portland Timbers 1
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Giovanni Savarese delivered a surprise to the likes of his nemesis manager Tata Martino with a 3-5-2 formation against his high flying United Boys. With one wonderful piece of football creativity that set off the likes of one of the hottest teams in all MLS the two squads met for the second time ever since the inception of the United squad in MLS last campaign. In Sunday’s match the locals had all the advantage of playing at home and the label as one of the top rated squads in this 2018.
Known for their offensive might and zealous defensive game, in boxing terms we can state, that this team is pound per pound complete. Meaning that in every position they have the right personnel to be a total armada. Their first and only encounter with the Timbers resulted in a draw. At Mercedes Bank Stadium United and their loud, passionate supporters were hoping for a different story.
In their much utilized 4-3-2-1, the change of tactics that the Argentinian had to improvise to counter the visitors strategies. Especially of seeing how the Portland defense step up once again and delivered a gem of a match. That despite the equalizer scored by Julian Gressel in the 56th minute after Larrys Mabiala clearance fell to his feet. The German did not hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity and broke the visitor’s clean sheet.
With Portland closing a strong first half defensively and the Mabial goal it appeared they were en route to what could been a one-of-a-kind win over one of the top rated and feared offenses. To conclude I do commend the way Timber goalkeeper Jeff Attinella valuable performance with eight saves and Alvas Powell stopping the likes of Ezequiel Barco. To lament the near opportunity of the Rose City Boys of scoring via Sebastian Blanco crashing the ball on the wood and Andres Flores miss in the 80 minute that could become the go-ahead goal.
Goals
Larry’s Mabiala 23’ PTFC, Julian Gressel 56’ ATLU
Highlight of the Match
In this campaign as opposed to season’s past the Portland Timbers are playing with more confidence and hunger to win on the road. A lot of the credit should go to the defensive backfield delivering once again and upholding their perfect streak. Honor to honor it deserves to one of the Portland main man in its improved defensive game in its goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. Man is these chap playing like there is no tomorrow and with an impressive number of eight saves.
The man is possessed and with four shutouts under his arm he is certain of a lock that The Rose City squad has to procuring points. Indeed, defense wins games and against Atlanta the Timbers defensive game shined in the entire match and consolidating as a tough backfield.
Next match
Portland Timbers (6-3-5, 23 points) vs Seattle Sounders (3-8-3, 12 points) Century Link Stadium, Seattle, Washington 1:30 PST/ 4:30 EST
