For the Portland Timbers much anticipated match against SKC at Providence Park ended in a 0-0 draw. This tells you the defensive gem that both squads put in display in the entire match. Nothing for nobody but a share of a points for both Portland Timbers and the leaders of the Western Conference Sporting Kansas City, with a scoreless tie at zero goals.
However when the Midwest Boys come to town, we are to brace for a very tight defensive showdown. The Timbers are no strangers, having against the LA Galaxy last week and played to a tied scoreline in regulation in the U.S. Open Cup in the midweek against San Jose (That match though did end up in their favor in extra time). The PTFC had a certain momentum coming to this match looking for what could have been an important win. At the end, this match finished with no goals scored by neither squad.
With the local Portland Timbers missing several of its notable players in their initial eleven, still the improvisations made by Giovanni Savarese worked marvelously. With Marco Farfan and Lawrence Olum making the start, these two delivering. Both of these made a great impression.
Under Giovanni Savarese the levels of confidence he and his coaching staff are injecting to all of their players. After several of notable players out for this match, manager Giovanni Savarese had to make some moves. With a couple in his, initial eleven, and three in his game day eighteen. The incorporation of three players from T2, in Eryk Williamson, Moudou Jadama and the return of Dairon Aspirilla to the big team. I must state about this man bold approach in his first year at the helm.
Still if I mention the way, this squad defense played an unbelievable game. By mentioning how goalkeeper Jeff Attinella making game saving plays when the SKC strikers had the opportunity and denying them flat. In addition, how Marco Farfan stepped up and despite not making a full start for quite some time. Suddenly he stopped the game and initiative of Johnny Russell all evening long.
As the Timbers, defensive foursome delivered a defensive gem and denying the visitors the offensive game these comfortable of putting in display. Still with a few narrow escapes, in the 40th minute when SKC Daniel Salloi shoot hit the crossbar. For Portland Timbers their clear opportunity came in the 57 with Sebastian Blanco pass found Fanendo Adi and heading the ball for Tim Melia stop.
Despite the opportunities and the defensive marvel, the Portland Timbers displayed all evening long. This time the Portland, eleven broke the defensive circle SKC always put in the Rose City squad strikers. With Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco both combined made eight shoots. One thing manager Savarese needs to address in how to beat goalkeepers of the height of David Bingham and Tim Melia.
As the defensive game has stepped up for the Portland Timbers, still its offensive attack needs to address something to improve its attack seriously. Despite this issue to address, todays result ending with a draw. This extends the Portland squad to eight consecutive matches without a loss, despite netting back-to-back draws. Still for manager, Giovanni Savarese is back to work and look forward to see a continuance of his turnaround of this club for the better.
Sporting Kansas City
Portland
