Manager Giovanni Savarese expressed frustration just by the tone of his voice after his side let go of a possible win with just fourteen minutes left in their match on Saturday against RSL.
He took responsibility for the disappointment, though he simply had his hands tied, watching in disbelief as his team surrendered the two-goal lead. In the end, they were held to a draw.
Repeatedly surrendering a lead suggests to me that a big change need to be made immediately. It remains to be seen if they can deliver and stop these senseless meltdowns.
The defensive foursome that shined back in Orlando are suddenly not playing as anticipated in their return to the MLS regular season. Despite coming in with the label of favorite, somehow they are not playing to their potential.
For manager Giovanni Savarese, it’s back to the drawing board. He has a roster of 9 defenders and is only using four of them presently.
As for the other 5 players on the bench, if not starting material they are at least considered for substitutions, as is the case with Julio Cascante and Bill Tuiloma. Both fullbacks are able to fill in for Larrys Mabiala or even Dario Zuparic.
Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic have both done a good job but of course they are only human. Zuparic only entered the Rose City last year. Last Saturday’s match was not his best ever and unfortunately, there will be days like this.
Gio could make changes in his offensive game and making moves in his defensive backfield is imperative and a must, especially with players of the likes of Larrys Mabiala and Chris Duvall showing signs of fatigue in their last two games.
They have surrendered a total of 7 goals so far in this tournament, exposing the team’s vulnerability in its defensive backfield and putting keeper Steve Clark in tough situations.
A team with players of the caliber of Marco Farfan and rookie defender Zac McGraw and Pablo Bonilla, as well the likes of Renzo Zambrano can play defense.
Gio has his options and taking a gamble as is foreseeable would be an ideal move.
The method for the club’s success and to see the team play like a well-oiled machine is not to allow so much possession and complete control of the game by the opposition.
My conclusion is that it’s time for the Portland Timbers and manager Giovanni Savarese to regroup and awake the dormant giant to end this season on a high note with notable results.
At this stage, a change in the helm is premature and childish, as this situation is not Gio’s fault. He is doing his best to deliver Rose City to victory, but his removal as many of the fans are suggesting, is senseless.
I recall in his first press conference that he never promised a trophy, but he did guarantee hard work. His players need to be on the same page. In Gio I trust!
Portland Timbers
