by Graham Tooke, @chelskitooke
Cascadia Corner: Off-color Whites survive weak Timbers onslaught
Ousted (and his post) 7 – Sent the wrong way on Nagbe’s penalty but will be kissing his left hand post for coming to his rescue. His defence did the job of blunting Portland’s attacks allowing Ousted to organize and make the necessary saves.
Sampson 6.5 – Got his chance with Beitashour out injured and had an assured performance dealing with Wallace down his right whilst providing support to Rosales. However the second half did see Wallace given time to whip in a few crosses that fortunately they didn’t capitalize on.
Waston 8 – Beastly as always. You know what you’re getting from the man mountain. Dominant in the air, why Portland decided to start with Urruti is beyond me considering how Adi had offered a stern challenge back at BC Place last month.
Kah 5 – The mistakes just don’t end, do they?
It’s understandable that every player makes mistakes especially at the MLS level, but I can’t think of many others in the league that cost their team as dearly as Kah does. He stuck his elbow up to block the cross from the right gifting Portland a penalty. Although he’ll argue his back was turned the referee got it spot on.
Harvey 7.5 – Justified his managers choice to include him in the starting eleven in place of the more attack minded Sam Adekugbe. Then again his first touch was only 6 yards out from the Timbers goal, probably should have done more with the early opportunity which was really it for the ‘Caps.
Koffie 5.5 – Where was he? While Teibert dealt with the Timbers forward movements Koffie seemed to just float around unsuspecting that there was actually a game going on. He’s hardly making a case to keep a spot in the team with Flores hot on his heels.
Teibert 7.5 – Stuck to Nagbe all night long restricting the playmakers influence on the game. Played the stay at home role with Laba suspended and looked every bit the part. Teibert isn’t offering up much going forward but that’s because you rely on Pedro to make the magic.
Rosales 6.5 – It’s hard to believe he’s 34. One could only ;ove his effort off the ball to keep Portland honest and pressure them into making mistakes. Couldn’t offer too much going forward but his ability to bring the ball down and calm things down is crucial especially with Morales looking disinterested.
Morales 5 – It’s becoming a little disconcerting at how ineffective the ‘Caps leader has been this season. Rarely involved and choked up possession far too often. Usually comes up with a moment of brilliance so we can forget how poor he has actually been but there was no spark in this one.
Mattocks 6 – The Jamaican’s really enjoying his time back in the lineup. We’re finally seeing a player that actually wants to play for his teammates.
He’s doing the dirty work if not having a whole lot of luck going forward. No complaints for his effort helping Harvey on the left before being replaced by Manneh.
Rivero 6 – The Timbers backline didn’t give the forward a sniff. His work rate was once again excellent but with Pedro providing very little he found himself feeding on scraps.
Subs
Manneh (58’) 6.5 – Brought some life into the game running at the Timbers defence. Hit a smart volley that sailed wide.
Mezquida (78’) 6 – Couldn’t provide any late heroics with his ten minute cameo.
Parker (88’) N/A – Brought on late to ensure the clean sheet.
Cascadia Corner: Off-color Whites survive weak Timbers onslaught
