FC Dallas defender Marco Farfan #4 against Toronto FC at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas on February 26, 2022. (Photo Credit FC Dallas- Cooper Neill)
Let me tell you about five former Portland Timbers players currently playing for other teams and making a statement with their game and becoming starters and important parts of their managers’ game plans.
These players in their time with the Rose City side were just on the bench and were unable to show off their potential and were not given any minutes. So, they were forgotten with time until a trade made them move to new teams.
Among one of the most desired things, I would love to see the Portland Timbers implement and develop a state-of-the-art academy, something that’s lacking for the Rose City team and for a team and city that has an unlimited number of talents in its youth and a college known to provide several top-rated players for professional leagues in both men and women.
What if this academy develops the same as the likes of FC Dallas? Yes, that same Texas team that has seen the likes of Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Nico Carrera, Reggie Cannon, Christian Cappis, Bryan Reynolds, and Ricardo Pepi. This last one sold for a sum of $20 million dollars to German side FC Augsburg.
In addition, FC Dallas was ranked the number one academy in MLS by many experts. What is the fear as I am to talk about one player that came from the Timbers Academy and wasn’t used as much when the Timbers hired manager Giovanni Savarese?
The way I’ve seen players come and go from the Timbers and later be successful in their new teams shows off many interrogatives. As some of these players were once highly regarded as top-notch prospects in addition to being drafted or in the team academy as well be purchased.
Now, this post speaks to how five former Portland Timbers players are now enjoying a second wind and displaying a one-of-a-kind football plus being successful for their current teams. As once wearing the green shirts but the club not taking advantage of their skills or been given the opportunity, they deserved to show off their skills.
Ever since their departure to their new clubs, these four players have risen from being on the bench to regular starters with their new teams, and believe me they are looking very complete and skillful in defending their new team’s colors.
Photo Credit Diego Diaz Photography/ Prost Amerika
I’m speaking of Marco Farfan, promoted from the academy by Caleb Porter and after his first games as a starter was sidelined with an injury, but when he was ready, he didn’t feature in Gio’s plans.
Another couple of players were draftee Jeremy Ebobisse and Julio Cascante, the latter one coming from Costa Rican giants Saprissa and adding to the list an old favorite Maxi Urruti.
For this reporter, Marco Farfan was considered a top prospect and something that then manager Caleb Porter saw in him a lot of potential in MLS, despite his injuries and returning to the field ready, the opportunity never was given to him.
The talent of this young man was never given the opportunity to make a stand and, in the end, the Timbers traded him to LAFC. In his time in the Rose City squad from 2017-to 2020, he made 34 appearances. However, in 2021 with the Black and Gold, when he was given the opportunity by then-manager Bob Bradley, he had whopping 29 appearances and moved on to FC Dallas where so far, he has started in all six games with an assist.
Pity the potential this young man had and now being taken advantage of by other teams, not far away comes a draftee in Jeremy Ebobisee, as many called him Jebo here in Rose City. He is really making a statement in San Jose.
Photo Credit John Todd/ISI Photos
After his trade to San Jose Earthquakes in the middle of the season after four goals in seventeen games, in six games as a starter in 2022, he has scored three goals and in one game against Houston scored a brace despite his team losing to the Dynamo on the road.
If this player had potential, you bet the Timbers only managed to get a mere one million for him if he would be developed. Probably, he would be sold to a European suitor for a little more money.
Now let’s talk about Julio Cascante in his years playing at Providence Park from 2018 to 2020. He managed 48 appearances and scored one goal as he was relegated to the bench and occasionally made a start or two. When Austin made its debut in 2021, Cascante was traded by the Timbers and his new adventure started with this expansion team.
So far, the Costa Rican has earned a starting position and is becoming a regular for Austin FC’s backfield being one of the most important players in its defensive game. My conclusion is what if these players stayed at Portland and if they would deliver like the way they are doing it in their new teams.
As these players are making an all-around statement, what if they stayed in Rose City? They would earn their opportunity as starters as well show off their skills and game and currently, they are showing off their talent with other teams.
In the end, it’s a pity that they couldn’t continue with the Portland Timbers and now they are shining with their new and respective teams. When will the Timbers take advantage of their youth and give them all the support they need?
Marco Farfan in his time with the Portland Timbers. Photo Credit Diego Diaz Photography/ Prost Amerika
Portland Timbers
