Fern McCostigan, Portland, Oregon Bureau
PORTLAND, OR – SEPTEMBER 24: Portland Timbers v Orlando City at Providence Park (Photos by Diego G Diaz).
Major League Soccer Western Conference
2017 Record: 15-11-8, 53 Points
2017 Western Conference Champions
Coach: Giovanni Savarese
Key Additions: MF Andy Polo- loan (Monarcas Morelia), DEF Julio Cascante (Saprissa), MF Cristhian Paredes- loan (Club America), MF Andres Flores (NY Cosmos), DEF Modou Jadama (Tulsa Rougnecks), MF Eryk Williamson- Homegrown Player (DC United), FW Neil Langsfdorf- Homegrown Player (Standford University).
Key Departures: MF Darlington Nagbe (Atlanta United), DEF Gbenka Arokoyo (Atlanta United), FW Darren Mattocks (DC United).
A new era in Rose City
After the sudden resignation of Caleb Porter, calling it quits after five years in the helm of the Rose City squad. The Portland Timbers directives went on the arduous task of looking for the ideal substitute. A task not considered easy after the extraordinary job and winning legacy left by Porter. Many names were mentioned to take over the job. For Portland Timbers GM Gavin Wilkinson his work was not an easy one. However, the club selected and introduced a proven winner in Giovanni Savarese. That with no hesitations he will deliver more excitement filled afternoons in Providence Park.
For the native of Venezuela, after his successful stint with NASL side New York Cosmos. His multiple accomplishments with the Big Apple squad were enough for his appointment. Coming to Portland as squad manager Savarese he already was familiar during his time in ESPN as an analyst. Many expect to apply his amazing game and dynamic with youth and experience. If his tenure is successful, we have a continuance of this club winning ways for many years to come.
2018 Preseason
The preseason proved fruitful and constructive for newcomer manager Giovanni Savarese in the dessert. After observing his squad in the preseason with veterans, newcomers and rookies. The final outcome of seeing many of this squads needs, at the end these will prevail and put on a show on this upcoming 2018. By exposing its future with Samuel Armenteros making an impact along with Cristhian Paredes returning to his old form. Also a cry from Victor Arboleda after a succesful preseason. The Portland squad is ready to front a contested 2018.
Defensive Backfield
A series of red flags and questions linger in the Timbers defense. After this preseason were the Timbers, starting backfield flaws exposed. Still this club defenders longtime experience and spark will prevail. With centerbacks Liam Ridgewell and Larry Mabbialas returning, right back Alvas Powell and left backs Vytas. Still these fab four being conisdered as the opening day starters. With Marco Farfan fully recovered and ready to fight for the starting spot in the left side, for Zarek Valentin and Bill Tuiloma will do the same in the right agasint Alvas Powell. For Ridgewell and Mabbiala they better step up their game if they dont want ot lose their starting role to newcomer Julio Cascante.
Portland Timbers Finish in the West
With the return of many notable veterans in Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco, Diego Chara, David Guzman and Adi. The competition put on manager Giovanni Savarese will lift this squad quality in its game and increase the competition among themsleves to give up their best in every match played. At the end the Portland Timbers will give a one of kind campaign accompanied by a third or fourth place finish.
