Unthinkable is to see a once almighty and proud team making all sorts of headlines in last year postseason and now is playing a sorry game of football. For me seeing a squad lacking effort, determination and most of all heart in the field is something serious.
For manager Giovanni Savarese to apologize to this incredible fan base is something he is in no need of doing it, by having a dependable base of dependable players.
Still he is one amazing chap to address everyone like a true gentleman and knowingly of the responsibility of his side current skid.
Whatever happened to this squad pride and all around teamwork and unity that rose eyebrows last season and reaching the league finale. I know that is in the past and now to focus in a very challenging present and more come.
A long seven game road stand still is on effect until June 1 when the Portland Timbers debut at home.
Getting back to Saturdays match in Avaya Stadium in San Jose, the Portland Timbers did not display the game these performed last week in Carson, California against the LA Galaxy. Long gone was that effort this past Saturday with a non-existent team in the field.
By seeing individualisms, errors on plays and a defensive game in disarray always had beaten one play after another! This is not what this team represents with many great players in its base. Especially if some players are getting the starting nod at least give up your best.
This team is in need of a serious shake up positon per position. Among one of the utmost of priorities is that players are in need of committing themselves to more excellence and pride in their game.
What can get this team rolling is the change in formation and strategies that can lift this squad for good in the next matches seen as serious business. I cannot foresee opening day at home with a team sporting a losing record.
Time to regroup as well see ahead in getting young talent and not depend solely on one player or two, as Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco cannot carry this team on their shoulders anymore. The need to rebuild this squad and not spent monies on just one player is not the immediate answer.
In the end back to the drawing board for manager Giovanni Savarese and look forward to that elusive first win of the season at the Big D Dallas Toyota Stadium.
MLS Western
Portland
