Photo Credit: Jill Peck
The Portland Timbers in 2018 are a changed team, showing off new determination and more dynamism in their game. The work of their manager, Giovanni Savarese is showing off with positive results. Therefore, their current streak in league play of ten matches in perfection, speaks of the work performed under their new boss. In this week of league play, dubbed as rivalry week, they faced their nemesis the Seattle Sounders at the colossus that is Century Link Park.
With the Sounders troubled campaign and the Rose City squad with a run in the plus it seemed like this would be an easy three points. But it was a bit of an interesting one for both squads. With the Rave Greens manager, Brian Schmetzer looking at any cost a win over their Cascadia foes. If he and his group were to deliver an upset over the visitors, it could give them a burst of confidence.
With their come-from-behind tie in Chicago the Sounders had a positive outlook ahead of this game and ambition to get those valuable three points. With this match being the second in the Cascadia series between these two titans the outcome would enable one side to get a leg up in the internal series.
For Portland after a notable, draw last week in Atlanta and a stellar performance in the dep south. These had motive of netting their first win in a place where there had never been successful in the past. Every match knows one thing the Portland Timbers man in its helm has for his daring approach his Boys are to play. This time in his formation, he implemented a 4-4-2 with Samuel Armenteros and Dairon Aspirilla in the frontal attack.
In addition, the improvisations of Gio in his initial eleven seems to be working without a hitch. Thye exhibit the qualities of that a hardened squad, one that does not gives up that easily despite the opposition push. That was the game Portland displayed all afternoon long in Seattle and it worked.
However, the afternoon was to belong to two of Portland playmakers in Diego Valeri and Larrys Mabiala. For this, matches always played with the essence of a final. These started a duel in the field between Diego Valeri and Seattle’s Nicolas Lodeiro. As both delivered valuable assists that became goals and Portland’s Valeri edging the Uruguayan with three assists.
In this, match the Portland squad exposed several means of scoring. This time saw the streak of Mabiala goal-scoring streak extend to two consecutive games. The Frenchman earned a double, with his second score becoming the game-winner. Again, this seems to be proving that Savarese was a wise hire as he can adapt and evolve to fit what his opponents do best.
By implementing a new style of game and attack not depend solely on Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco, Adi or Samuel Armenteros. The Portland Boss is looking for ways to step up his scoring options and now with Mabiala being the other scorer; we have a new weapon in the attack.
So far, this team is playing with a winning attitude and high spirits to win. Still the desire and ambition put by the new Portland Timbers game, shows off the hard work is paying off. Despite the win, for Gio next compromise against San Jose (3, 9, 3, 12 points) at home. He and his Boys will be back to business next week to prepare in another challenge coming their way. However, the man could not hide his joy of netting three important and valuable three points on the road.
Photo Credit: Jill Peck
MLS Western
Portland
