(Photo by Diego G Diaz).
New England Revolution 1-Portland Timbers 1
For the Portland Timbers coming to Gillette Stadium is always an all-around challenge in order to get a positive result. Still despite the locals push and putting on a fight all game long, being a rough game. In the end that was not enough to deliver the win these were looking for as locals over a momentum-ridden Portland squad.
With the New England Revolution looking forward to shake off their negative skid, these had their sights set on the Rose City squad. With the Timber midweek, win over the defending champions Toronto FC. The Rose City squad energy filled going in their favor versus their hosts sporting a losing record before this match.
Earlier in the match, once again Giovanni Savarese sent to the field a different lineup in his eleven. So far, this man never ceases to amaze me with his bold and right moves he makes in his starting lineups.
This time we did not see the likes of Diego Chara, Liam Ridgewell and Diego Valeri on the initial eleven. As this trio got some deserved time off, Gio sent a different lineup to face off a dangerous New England squad looking at any cost for a win.
Despite some faces new in the lineup, manager Savarese is managing to give his weary squad some rest to some of his important players. Cristhian Paredes, Andres Flores and Julio Cascante substituted his threesome as novelties in the Timbers starting eleven.
Still with veterans David Guzman, Sebastian Blanco, Alvas Powell, Zarek Valentin, Larrys Mabiala along with goalkeeper Jeff Attinella among the starters. This group really stood its ground despite the local’s dominance at times and getting the early score.
I mean dominance as statistically speaking the Revolution ha the upper hand in this match with 62.4 % possession over the Portland Timbers with a mere 37.6%, along with thirteen shoos over six for Portland with four in target for New England versus just one from the Timbers.
Overall the Portland Timbers with this tie and rescuing a point with a come from behind. Shows off the character these new Portland Timbers are using in every match these play. As Gio has stated time and time again every match is a learning experience.
However, the outlook for the Portland Timbers operates under its arches, Jeff Attinella leaving in the 56’ minute from a hamstring injury. Coming to his relief newcomer Steve Clark getting his first test of fire and allowing the Revolution goal taken in a rebound by Scott Caldwell in the 58’ minute.
No later that these hardened Timbers comeback was in the 70’ minute assisted by David Guzman rebound and Lawrence Olum pushed the ball despite the Revolution defender clearance, the game official made the goal stand.
In the end, the Timbers effort and hard work to come back in this match deserves to be applauded. Despite the little rest after their Sunday and Wednesday matches this group did not surrender.
Goals
Scott Caldwell NER 58’, Lawrence Olum PTFC 70’
Highlight of the Match
The right moves performed by Giovanni Savarese in every match. This time he risks it all without his fabulous threesome of Diego Valeri, Diego Chara and Liam Ridgewell. The man knows his business and looking forward to shape this squad as a total and serious contender.
Kudos for the starting lineup that stood its ground, despite the locals’ rough game displayed all match long. In addition, of these rallying to tie this match thanks to an opportune Lawrence Olum.
Next Match
(6) Portland Timbers (11-7-8, 41 points) vs (11) Colorado Rapids (6-14-6, 24 points) Providence Park, Portland, Oregon 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
NE Revolution
Portland
