Five is the number of consecutive victories the Portland Timbers have accumulated over the last month . Despite playing expansion side LAFC, considered in league circles as one of its top rated squads, PTFC rose to the occasion and delivered a wondrous 2-1 win on Saturday.
This match had its highs and lows with a high degree of physicality. After seeing a much-contested first half, the Portland Timbers defense step up to the occasion one more time. When Liam Ridgewell in a play that sustained an old injury, with six minutes in the clock. His substitute Julio Cascante delivered a one of a kind game and became the highlight of this match.
Still this is a team effort as everyone in this initial eleven played their best game possible. As they say there is no place like home. Manager Giovanni Savarese made all of the right moves once again finding the way to deliver an important win at home. His confidence in this squad is showing in every match. The hard work and discipline he has instituted since day one is finally producing positive results. Now for Giovanni the key is that his team stays healthy. The World Cup will also play a role in one, possibly two of his players missing some time as Andy Polo has made the final roster for Peru and David Guzman is on the preliminary list for Costa Rica. Despite this, Savarese has a lot to work with the evidence clearly showing in every match when he reaches to his bench.
For Giovanni Savaraese I credit the revival of one of his player’s career. After seeing, the way Cristhian Paredes has played lately and scoring his first goal of the campaign on Saturday as a Timber it is evident that Savarese’s influence has been the sole party responsible of the Paraguayan all around confidence in the field and in his improved performances.
Portland Timbers v LAFC by Diego G Diaz/ProstAmerika.com
Another highlight of this and the other matches is the incorporation of Samuel Armenteros and Andres Flores. Something magical about the two that their contributions in the time of substitution that we can credit for the latest wins. This time the Swede did not create a foul or pass the ball but scored his first goal. By scoring his first goal as a Portland Timber, again being the difference maker. Not only was this a spectacular goal but the game winner. This was not only a nice goal but also a spectacular shoot from twenty yards that seals the deal and the win for the Portland Timbers.
The man after his feat he could hide his emotions, running to the stairs and celebrating with the Timbers Army. After he got down from his celebrations, the game official did not hesitate to give him a yellow card for time wasting. In the eyes of Gio what can he do in his player’s peculiar way of celebrating? By the way, kudos to a nice defensive work the Portland squad is showing off in every match, allowing just three shots in the first half.
Despite Bob Bradley moves in the second half and getting a brief upper hand. The Timbers defensive and whole initial eleven went out of its way and delivered a wonder of a match. Impressive I must say, the way manager Savarese has turned this squad into an all-around contender.
LAFC
Portland
