In a game in which they looked to bounce back from a frustrating draw at home to Real Salt Lake, the Timbers fell flat to Orlando City SC and a masterclass from Kaka by a scoreline of 4-1.
The Timbers came into the game with the same lineup as they did against Real Salt Lake. The major difference, however, was at left back. Jack Barmby got his first ever start for the green and gold in place of Zarek Valentin. For Orlando, the game marked the season debut of Kaká, who was out with an injury for the first three games.
The Timbers were put on the backfoot early, as Orlando were aggressive with the attack, finding space on the width to threaten the Portland defense. Their struggles to handle the attack forced the midfield to make fouls in dangerous areas. Diego Valeri committed his only foul of the game in the 12th minute. However, Orlando City capitalized on it, with a perfect pass by Kaká to find Seb Hines, who nodded the ball into the back of the net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Portland may have felt like they were given a lifeline, as Cyle Larin left the field with a hamstring injury in the 23rd minute and replaced by Servando Carrasco. This left Kaká up top as the only striker for Orlando. In hindsight, the move may have given the Timbers a false sense of comfort, thinking that Orlando City was going to be more defensive in their shape. However, the talismanic playmaker was up for the challenge.
His vision and link-up play with the midfielders created plenty of issues for the Timbers and ultimately resulted in a second goal for the Lions, with a stunning left footed strike from Brek Shea. Alvas Powell must have felt he could have done better in marking the left back, as all he could do was watch the ball go into the back of the net.
The Timbers had a huge opportunity to get one back, as Jack Barmby hit a strong cross towards the back post. It found no one, but Shea managed to get his arm on the ball and the assistant referee alerted head referee Alan Kelly, who pointed to the spot. Fanendo Adi took the ball and looked to capitalize on the left back’s error, but took a poor penalty and was saved by Orlando keeper Joe Bendik. The scoreline remained 2-0 to the host going into halftime.
Looking into the second half, the Timbers needed to find a way to shut down Kaká, who was at the center of the Orlando offense. However, they couldn’t find the answer they needed. An unfortunate pass from Adi hit the referee and Orlando managed to win the ball back and get it out wide to Kevin Molino. His pass to Adrian Winter was deflected off Nat Borchers’ heel, but the ball fell to Kaká, who slotted it past Adam Kwarasey for their third goal of the game.
One might think that the third goal would have completely deflated the Timbers. However, they continued to attack and press. The Portland side would find long spells of possession deep in Orlando’s half. The only problem was they weren’t able to find any real chances. Jack McInerney and Darren Mattocks looked to create a spark for the Timbers, as they came on for Adi and Dairon Asprilla. They looked more lively with the substitutions in the game, but still couldn’t find a goal to get back into the game.
Orlando wasn’t done scoring. Build-up by the hosts resulted in Molino trying to shoot off a saved shot by Kwarasey. However, Diego Chara clipped the winger from behind and Kelly pointed to the spot. There, the youngster hit it strong past the Portland keeper, increasing their woes and making the visitors the second consecutive MLS champs to concede four goals at the Citrus Bowl (LA Galaxy being the first, losing to Orlando 4-0 last year in their only visit).
At this point, Portland just looked to avoid getting shut out, continuing to attack relentlessly. They eventually found a goal, as Barmby managed to get his cross deflected and find Valeri’s feet. There, the Portland playmaker got his shot blocked by McInerney, but he picked up the deflection and passed it to McInerney, who tapped it home, ending the potential shutout from the hosts.
Soon after, the ref blew his whistle and Portland had to be left wondering if they could have done better this game.
What went wrong for the Timbers?
- Portland’s passing. While they did complete 83% of their passes, they struggled to string together multiple passes like they typically do. Passes were either hit too heavy or just couldn’t find their target, turning it over and giving Orlando the chance to break.
- Portland’s wing play. Barmby and Powell struggled against Orlando’s width, being unable to contain the threats and hold steady. Jack Barmby’s MLS debut wasn’t exactly a good one, as he likely wasn’t aware of the pace and athleticism of the MLS game. He gave up several balls due to poor passes or lost duels and was forced into pressured situations defensively as a result. Powell looked lost in his defense and was beat multiple times, with Shea’s goal being a primary point of discussion.
- Darlington Nagbe’s quiet game. Compared to last year’s game against Orlando, where he was very aggressive and threatening, he didn’t make a huge impact that you’d expect.
What went right for the Timbers?
- Valeri’s persistence. The playmaker’s desire to get Portland on the scoreboard was there, as he looked to threaten from distance. He eventually found McInerney open in the dying minutes to help end the shutout.
- Jack McInerney. This guy has been quietly impressive coming off the bench for the Timbers. His ability to make runs into the box and score has been good, though he has only been able to capitalize once with such runs thus far. His goal helped get the team on the scoresheet and added his goal tally to two this season (in only 87 minutes of play).
- Borcher’s defense. While Seb Hines was his mark and scored the opening goal, the veteran center-back really showed why he’s so important to the squad, with plenty of hustle plays, blocking shots, and key tackles. He ended the game with five interceptions, the most in the game.
