(7) Portland Timbers (4,4,3, 15 points) vs (12) San Jose Earthquakes (2,4,5, 11 points)
Saturday September 19, 2020 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Earthquakes Stadium, San Jose, California
Portland Timbers Briefly
Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese had an air of optimism in his post-game press conference after his side shared the points against a ready, determined, and aggressive San Jose Earthquakes.
We saw an improved Portland Timber’s squad playing an amazing game and stopping the home side’s dominance only allowing a single goal despite numerous all evening long.
I give credit to the Rose City defensive game, with Gio making his usual bold moves in his starting eleven and almost paying off in the end until the Quakes tying the game after a controversial VAR call.
Still, the way some players performed with Steve Clark being totally involved in the game and game-saving plays that could have turned disastrous. Kudos as well for Marco Farfan and Pablo Bonilla doing the job in the back along with Bill Tuiloma and Dario Zuparic.
The question is about the attack that lacked a lot of creativity and more aggressiveness from the Timbers despite the moves bringing in Jeremy Ebobisse who could do little with lack of opportunities were not available.
For the Timbers, playing Round Two of this two-game series in the Bay Area, will be a clash of titans between the Rose City side and the Silicon Valley squad both looking to wrap it up with a win.
So far, for Gio his switch of formation is seeing positive results and with a 4-3-3 in their last game, the hopes of a repeat of this formation will be a possible with the hopes of more of positive results.
As the effectiveness to resolve is imperative for these Timbers to produce results and assure its ticket to the postseason with difficult matches coming up.
In addition to seeing its defensive game bunker up a little more and for Pablo Bonilla, Marco Farfan, and Bill Tuiloma stepping up their defensive game as it was their last one. These three are in need again to shine, for the sole benefit of their team’s success in the remainder of the season.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Marcos Farfan, Bill Tuiloma, Dario Zuparic, Pablo Bonilla; Diego Chara, Eryk Williamson; Diego Valeri, Yimmi Chara: Felipe Mora, Jaroslaw Niezgoda
Photo: MLS
San Jose Earthquakes Briefly
Matias Almeyda has seen his team struggle in the return of the regular season. The aim is to wrap up the remainder of this season on the positive and for sure they are targeting the Timbers.
Last week’s game showed a resolve and more ambitious approach to their game, yet they were met by an improved Timbers defensive game that stopped them cold and settling for just a draw.
The Earthquakes’ troubles have been numerous since the start of the regular season and showing lack of consistency in their game. Next season for sure, manager Matias Almeyda will be preparing a new blueprint for his team to make them into full contenders.
However, the need for a win and the way this team has shown they can pull an upset, like holding LA Galaxy to a scoreless draw recently, for this upcoming match for sure the Quakes be coming very hungry for a win.
San Jose side showed a lot of resolve and determination for the win in midweek. In the end, after seeing the potential and improvement of the visiting Rose City side, maybe they will come ready to rock this team and assure three golden points.
Probable Lineup:
GK Daniel Vega, Paul Marie, Jacob Akanyirige, Oswaldo Alanis, Marcos Lopez; Florian Jungwirth; Cristian Espinoza, Judson, Jackson Yueill, Valeri Qazaishvili; Andres Rios
Meetings
September 16, 2020, San Jose Earthquakes 1-1 Portland Timbers
October 6, 2019, Portland Timbers 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes
April 6, 2019, San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 Portland Timbers
Forecast
Round two will be one contested affair, with both sides looking for three golden points
