Portland Timbers last practice ahead of the MLS Cup Final
An aura of confidence and restrained optimism seems to be surrounding the Portland Timbers as they apply the last finishing touches to the preparation of the match against NYCFC this Saturday December 11, at Providence Park. Happy faces and laughter while warming up in the time offered to the media. In closed doors is where the real work has been happening.
The training started with a big circle with all players and coaching staff and a war cry “When we are united, we can’t be defeated.”
Back in front of the media that gathered at the Timbers training center in Beaverton, OR, midfielder Santiago Moreno and forward Jaroslaw Niezgoda, did a q/a, heavily centered still on the meaning of playing a final in front of their own supporters. The team is aware of the significance of the moment but even as is impossible to escape a sense of optimism, they stress that the job is still to be done.
Moreno was asked about his adaptation to MLS, and growth as player. His performance in the Western Conference Finals drew a lot of praise, he scored Portland’s second and his first ever goal with the club. Moreno spoke about how veteran players, specially Diego Valeri, have contributed to his growth not just as a player but as a person in the club.
Niezgoda, was asked about his notorious contributions from the bench this season, he has had a complicated season him self, battling injuries, but he has been able to come through for the team with important goals in key moments. He said, he is ready to repeat it, be from the bench or as starter, should coach Giovanni Savaresse decides to use him.
Both players spoke of the toughness of the opponent, a New York City FC that is very fast and physical, but prefer to focus preparing what makes the Portland Timbers strong, as a way to overcome their game.
While the team looks confident, they are very aware the difficulty of the task, and having the support of the people, while important, is not the thing that will get the new ball in the net past Sean Johnson this Saturday. To dedicate the trophy to family, friends and fans, at home, in Portland, OR, is too good of a dream to not think about, but to accomplish it, there is still a big task ahead. In the last question of the press conference Niezgoda sentenced, “it will be us at the end”.
