(Editor’s Note: This article was intended to be published prior Tuesday night’s match between New England Revolution and New York City FC.)
Last season, the dominance of FC Dallas during the regular season was one of the highlights for the Rose City side, but come the postseason, the upset by FC Dallas on penalties was still on their minds. In today’s training opened to the media, the Timbers were looking forward to continuing their quest to wrap in what seemed a thought-provoking season they really overcome in the end.
This 2021, the Portland Timbers had the Claret and Cobalt number on three occasions and outscored them 12 goals to four. Still, the mood of the Portland Timbers today in training camp was of a cautious one and for Larrys Mabiala, the game hero against Colorado, he stated that despite beating this team three times on the season, but not four times.
It’s not the same way the Timbers will play RSL, as this team went against all odds in what seemed at times a tough and challenging season. But in the end, the team has persevered to silence many of its detractors. Moving forward for Mabiala, for him is one game at a time and focusing on their next foe.
When it came to Yimmi Chara’s turn to address the media, he simply stated that despite Blanco and Aspirilla on the field, it will be a different game and that is why they must prepare for games like this. As every game is different and to play it with a lot of focus and preparedness. Although it was a year at a time with a lot of lows than highs still, we came ahead with lots of perseverance in this season.
As Yimmi concluded of playing at home, he and the rest of the team are happy to do it in front of the Timbers’ followers and do an outstanding job in front of them. On a season where injuries played a big role, we are looking forward to a New England loss to maybe play the finals at home.
When Gio’s turn came he simply stated that with the right mindset and doing the same things to make sure of what to execute on the game and plan to add up and understand the moment. The excitement of playing at home but either way playing in Kansas City I was prepared for this match as well seen a difficult game.
Every game is a different story, you think it’s a repetition but in the reality of this match, it’s one that counts, reinforces tactics, and executes well with the ball, and changes the opposite team brings to this game. The team is motivated but with its feet on the ground and ready to front the challenge.
We must attack and defend well, as this RSL team comes with a lot of confidence. According to Aspirilla, his red card wasn’t overturned and Blanco’s status was not available for game time, but with a lot of players willing to substitute him in the starting eleven. As Seba is remarkable on recovering come game time, the man still will not be ready to suit up on Saturday, but with a lot of possibilities to see him if they pass into the grand finale.
