With three of the last five games on the road, the Portland Timbers face another daunting task: three straight road games. While there have been some moments in the last few road games in which players and fans felt like there was more to be desired, the Timbers have demonstrated not only a commitment towards winning but one of class as well. Take for instance the San Jose game with Steve Lenhart recklessly slide tackling every player in sight, or when Alan Gordon "inadvertently" elbowed Silvestre in the face, or maybe more recently when Mario De Luna pushed the innocuous ball boy for no apparent reason (I'll touch on this in my next article); the Timbers have kept their composure and have come away with a bevy of hard fought points on the road. Recent history would suggest that the Timbers squad would perform morbidly on the road, seeing that they have only won a few sporadic games over the course of two seasons. But this squad is different; this squad is calm, collective and has a moral fortitude that makes me proud to sport my Timbers green. Ultimately, they play inspired football and I love it.
In April, I wrote an article that outlined a couple recipes for success for Timbers games on the road. Let us reevaluate/breakdown these components in application to these last three road games.
@ San Jose 1-1 Tie
1) The Timbers scored first in this match and did not fall behind, so this is a check.
2) The midfield absolutely dominated time of possession, save, the last five minutes. Of course, the last five minutes of the game is arguably one of the most important periods of the game if the game is close or has been a stalemate. The Timbers back line really struggled to thwart the last surge of the Earthquakes.
3) The forwards missed some huge opportunities and exerted little pressure on San Jose with only three shots on goal.
@ Sporting Kansas City 3-2 Win
1) I think this was an epic fail. Sporting scored a goal within a minute. While the Timbers responded with a goal of their own, Sporting then went up ahead 2-1.
2) Diego Chara played with purpose and executed effective passes with great field vision. His ability to see the play before it happens led to Wallace's game-winning goal.
3) The interchangeable play between the forwards and midfield was executed with sheer excellence. Ryan Johnson's assist to Darlington Nagbe was amazing. The Timbers also put up a decent amount of pressure on goal with twelve shots, seven of them being on target.
@ FC Dallas 1-1 Tie
1) Again, the Timbers scored first in this match, however, FC Dallas scored minutes later after a controversial penalty kick call.
2) Was not overly impressed with the Timbers midfield in this game. They seemed a little disjointed and not on the same page with the forwards, maybe that was due to Coach Caleb Porter resting several key players, but for the better part of the first half, everything was flat and static.
3) Frederic Piquionne continues to disappoint me with his one dimensional play. He is a great forward exuding bursts of raw power and speed, but, he is a do it all yourself kind of guy. He needs to be more dynamic as a forward, similar to that of Rodney Wallace.
That being said, I want to make a bold prediction: Timbers will make the playoffs. Barring any injuries to Diego Valeri, Wallace, or either Johnson, I think the Timbers have the talent and character to clinch a playoff spot. If they can survive the schedule until August 3rd, where they then will be host to eight games out of the last thirteen. I know it may be a fugacious thought and I am more than likely looking way ahead, but realize that is only the nature of a jovial, die hard Timbers fan.
RCTID!!
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