After nine matches the Portland Timbers are still at the top of the league. Not bad for a club that had its struggles early in the campaign. They still have issues to iron but Timbers supporters can be proud of their side, as evidenced by their 1-1 draw against Atlanta United FC on Sunday. You come a long way baby, not really, as there is quite a ways to get to the Promised Land.
Still for first year manager, Gio Savarese is business as usual and now looks at the team he is building. With plenty of confidence and security to play one on one to whoever comes in the field. Even we can say that these Timbers can take on Manchester City if these were to play them.
However, playing against the league’s newest sensation and considered one of the hottest tickets in 2018. The second year Atlanta United boys and their ownership are not holding back in making an all-around contender out of this club. Very well, the Southerners are no walk in the park, with every position covered with talent and top rated skills and displaying a one of a kind football.
Coming to play in what seems to be one of MLS’ new house of horrors for many visiting teams coming to their doom. The United chaps had the edge with one of the most explosive attacks and renascent of fan bases considered as loudest in the colossus of Atlanta.
Still I credit Giovanni Savarese putting into display one of the utmost best strategies that he could conjure up coming to this match. As his counterpart Atlanta Manager Tata Martino was expecting his trademark 4-3-2-1 formation. Instead Gio turned the tide with a new 3-5-2 formation.
Showing off his approach to this match as business as usual and making the right moves. I must say that the Venezuelan is making all sort of bold moves come game time and so far, his squad is embracing it. As I always state that defense wins games, unity and teamwork, the Timbers are showing that in the field in every game played.
With a total stand-out performance from goalkeeper Jeff Attinella and his defensive backfield delivering game after game. Their defense is tops in league circles if we continue to see a continuance of their amazing work. That despite Atlanta all around dominance in the match, Portland defense stood its ground.
My praise for the Rose City defensive game comes after the locals displayed a 69.2 % possession and shooting 20 shoots with nine direct shots on goal. The visiting Portlanders stood their ground all match long to persevere for the draw despite two clear chances to wrap it up. This draw for the Rose City squad should be seen as a win as Atlanta United have proven to be a frustrating side at home.
Yes last year notable Darlington Nagbe left in a trade to Atlanta, but his sale opened the doors to new players that so far are delivering. With Cristhian Paredes, Andres Flores, Julio Cascante, Andy Polo and Samuel Armenteros contributing to the defensive cause.
Now to Seattle and another edition of the Cascadia Cup. If the Timbers momentum continues lookout Seattle because right now the Timbers are playing an amazing brand of football.
