Los Angeles Galaxy 2-Portland Timbers 1
By: Fern McCostigan
Not as easy as it looks, with today’s loss against the LA Galaxy. Manager Giovanni Savarese is aware of the type of competition he and his Portland Timbers are up against this 2018. Still, nothing to be alarmed, as this is just a match of 33 more to come in the campaign. However, the performance put by the locals puts in evidence the work ahead of the Rose City squad needs to do in order to improve. With all the Portland squad first matches of this campaign on the road. Their next match agasint the New York Red Bulls at Red Bulls Arena in Harrison, New Jersey will be another serious test. Following matches against FC Dallas, Chicago Fire and Orlando City SC until their debut at home on April 14 against Minnesota FC.
With tonight’s match in the colossus of Carson, California. Before going into halftime the Portland squad was trailing by a couple of goals from Kei Kamara and Roman Alessandrini. Catching the Timbers defenders off guard twice, and possibly the second goal could been prevented with a quick reaction by the Portland goalkeeper.
In addition, the way this Portland squad played on the first half is something to be concerned. Despite some of its defenders not displaying their best game today, still they need to raise the bar and deliver in the upcoming matches.Very well the offensive attack does not to be dependent solely on Diego Valeri as last campaign MVP, will be guarded very closely by the opposing defenses. With a double coverage whenever he will try to make an attempt or start the offense rolling, here the likes of Andy Polo and Sebastian Blanco need to step up solidly. Rough I can state the way Giovanni Savarese experienced his first taste of MLS play. Despite the result his work is far from done has everymatch is a learning experience for him and his players.
Still this is just a match of more to come, but in the eyes and mind of manager Savarese definitely, many changes have to be applied. As he stated in his presentation of not promising shields but plenty of hard work. That is the way he will deliver a winning campaign to this club and maybe more. Patience is an essence of fine football in the Savarese era.
