Among one of the legacies of then Portland Timbers manager Caleb Porter of leaving one of his youth hopefuls in this squad before his departure. This was Marco Farfan one of Portland’s gems of this club academy making the big jump to the big squad. However his meteoric start overshadowed by a season-ending injury. Now the lad is back and in neded of more playing time and confidence by Gio.
This sends a message to first year man in the helm Giovanni Savarese. So far, he has observed some of T2 players. But the next generation have seen limited time in the field. However, with a list of hopefuls that one can take over for the current veterans in the field. In spite of these major accomplishments with the Rose City squad, their age tells us many of their playing day’s future.
Today in social media, I saw a debate of who will make the start as goalkeeper in the Portland Timbers Saturdays match. With their number one man and veteran of many battles Jeff Attinella in the DL. With newcomer, Steve Clark making the start the question arises of when Kendall McIntosh time will come. For this youngster time in Rose City, that has seen several starts for their USL side T2.
What I seen in practice I like of seeing Kendall in the field with the Portland Timbers but not on a cup game but on a league match. This will prove how ready the man is to prove what he has learned currently by the direction of keepers coach Guillermo Valencia.
Now focusing on other prospects in defenders Marvin Loria and Modou Jadama, these two have the elements of making a spectacular debut in the senior squad. So far their work in T2 has been invaluable and delivering in the clutch and standing their ground when the going gets tough.
Another set of players to keep an eye on are Renzo Zambrano, Eryk Williamson, Victor Arboleda and Tomas Conechny. This foursome for sure will make a big impact in the Timbers midfield if the opportunity comes in the right time. For Eryk Williamson considered a gem and a top rated prospects, his loan to Portuguese side CD Santa Maria will uplift this chap game for the better and a gain for the Portland side.
Rubbing elbows with the top players in this nation League, Williamson for sure will come as a more mature player after his European adventure. The other gem is Victor Arboleda who was loan to T2 and after a wondrous preseason; many thought his time has come in the Timbers starting eleven. With another amazing player in Renzo Zambrano who too had another amazing preseason with the Timbers, but lacking a MLS contract.
Lastly, newcomer Conechny has shown some promise and may be a midfield prospect in the future. However, he has lacked opportunities to show off his skills. In forwards Jeremy Ebobisse and Foster Langsdorf have two quality long-term prospects. In particular the idea of Ebobisse making a one-two with Armenteros is tantalizing.
Despite Ebobisse considered in the Timbers eighteen lately, he is in need of more playing time. If Gio grants him more time and giving him more minutes when the postseason comes, he can be ready to play when needed if something happens to Armenteros.
In the case of Foster Langsdorf his time in the big team can come maybe in the next campaign. For him maturing and showing off his skills in T2as an important player and in their offensive scheme will earn him one day a place in the Timbers squad.
In the end, the ball is in Giovanni Savarese side of the court and his decisions of giving the big break to some of these players. Still the hopes of seeing some of these players in the initial eleven and for Gio taking a risk can have in the end its rewards.
MLS Western
Portland
